Permanent Representative Lukashevich called the start of the Finnish OSCE Chairmanship ambiguous

Finland's chairmanship in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has had a mixed start. This was reported by Russian Permanent Representative to the organization Alexander Lukashevich on 8 February.

"Let's see how Finland will conduct business in the OSCE. So far, the political season in Vienna has started neither shakily nor shakily," he said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

According to him, the Finns are broadcasting pro-Ukrainian slogans, but there have been no other steps against Russia so far. Lukashevich pointed out that the country's presidency will be assessed by real actions.

At the same time, Lukashevich pointed out that the Finnish side continues to insist on its priorities, which, in his opinion, may have negative consequences.

"The degradation of the OSCE in all dimensions of security is taking on catastrophic proportions"

Alexander Lukashevich, Russia's Permanent Representative to the organization, on its incapacity, its role in resolving the Ukrainian crisis and difficulties in working with Western opponents

Earlier, on January 25, Lukashevich told Izvestia that Finland, having joined the OSCE chairmanship, operates with an erroneous perception of the root causes of the crisis of confidence in the space of the organization and is guided by a false understanding of the causes of the conflict in Ukraine.

In January, Finland took over the OSCE chairmanship for one year, taking over the baton from Malta. On 23 January, European Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said in a speech on the occasion of taking office that support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence would be a priority of the Finnish chairmanship's work abroad.