VALLETTA, Malta — In a noteworthy visit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Malta for the annual gathering of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). This trip marks Lavrov’s first appearance in an EU member country since Russia initiated its invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago.
The meeting saw participation from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, emphasizing the importance of placing Ukraine front and center in the discussions.
Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg addressed the assembly, emphasizing that Russia’s ongoing conflict poses a significant and systematic threat to the stability of European security. Lavrov’s presence in Malta is significant considering it has been uncommon for him to engage with high-level Western officials since the onset of the invasion. His recent appearances at the United Nations General Assembly and the G20 summit in Brazil were notable exceptions.
Additionally, it was reported that Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, indicated that her visa to accompany Lavrov to Malta had been revoked. The Maltese foreign affairs office confirmed that three OSCE member states opposed granting her visa due to her being subject to international travel restrictions. While Lavrov faces EU sanctions, he is not under the same travel ban.
Lavrov participated in last year’s OSCE event in Skopje, North Macedonia, but had previously been denied a visa by Poland following the start of Russia’s military actions against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Secretary Blinken traveled from Brussels, where he likely attended his final NATO meeting as part of the outgoing Biden administration. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister was also present, making a return to the OSCE meeting after boycotting the previous year due to Lavrov’s involvement.
Furthermore, the advocacy group Reporters Without Borders urged OSCE members to advocate for the release of 38 journalists detained by Russian authorities, including 19 who were taken in territories unlawfully occupied by Russia. According to their statement, Russia has become the fifth-largest detainer of journalists globally.
