Russian participation in OSCE: A diplomatic victory, but not for Kremlin

"It is absolutely not a diplomatic victory for Russia; it is a diplomatic victory for the OSCE because the functioning of the organization was questioned. At the same time, the OSCE will continue to function and remain a guarantor of ensuring the development of democratic and peaceful processes in Europe," said the Prime Minister of North Macedonia.

Commenting on the absence of many ministers who did not go to Skopje due to Lavrov's presence, Kovacevski said, "We must realize that each country sends its message about the unjustified aggression committed by Russia against a sovereign state - Ukraine."

"Someone does this by their absence, and someone by their presence and very clearly expressed views on this aggression. I will do the same at the opening of this important event," Kovacevski said, confirming that there will be no bilateral meeting with Lavrov.

OSCE Summit boycott

Previously, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Oleg Nikolenko, stated that Ukraine would boycott the OSCE meeting in North Macedonia due to the participation of representatives of the aggressor country. He added that Russia is abusing the platform of this organization.

In addition, on Tuesday, November 28, the foreign ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia also announced their decision not to participate in the OSCE meeting because Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov would attend. The North Macedonia authorities, currently heading the organization, granted permission for Lavrov to come to Skopje.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that he has confirmation from some of his colleagues that they will also not attend the OSCE ministers' meeting due to Lavrov's participation. According to him, "more than four" countries "disagree with Lavrov's participation." Later, it became known that the Polish Foreign Minister, Jacek Czaputowicz, also refused to participate in the summit.