'Crimea is Ukraine': OSCE president visits Kyiv with a clear message
Photo: President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pere Joan Pons Sampietro (t.me/yzheleznyak)
The OSCE called for coordinated international action to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children and took a clear position on Ukraine, according to President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, who delivered a speech in the Ukrainian parliament (Verkhovna Rada).
The 2025 declaration calls for coordinated international action to ensure the safe return of children, he said, and announced that he would propose that the Assembly formally join the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children and ensure Russia's accountability.
According to him, the OSCE recognizes the profound gender impact of the war.
Women in Ukraine are experiencing separation, trauma, and violence, he added. They must be central to Ukraine's recovery and future. The Assembly's commitments are not symbolic, he said, adding that they are part of their daily work. Ukraine has been a top priority, Pons Sampietro stressed.
The OSCE Assembly President emphasized his unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, justice and accountability for war crimes, and the country's democratic European future.
He confirmed that he would welcome President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who will address the Assembly, at the autumn session in Istanbul, and invited Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk to join the winter meeting in Vienna to deepen parliamentary cooperation.
He thanked for the invitation to the Crimea Platform summit in Stockholm. He confirmed the participation and stated that Crimea is Ukraine.
Separately, Pons Sampietro called for the immediate release of three OSCE representatives who were illegally detained by Russia, noting that their detention violates international norms and shows contempt for the organization.
The message will be delivered at the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Vienna in December, where the organization will once again speak with one voice in support of Ukraine.
What is the OSCE
It is an organization for security and cooperation in Europe, an international structure that brings together 57 states in Europe, North America, and Asia.
It deals with issues of security, human rights, democratic governance, and conflict prevention.
The main goal of the OSCE is to support stability and peaceful coexistence between participating countries.
Earlier, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Ukraine is preparing a comprehensive reform of the OSCE, which will be able to bring the international organization out of the impasse in five steps.
