Russia has become a multifaceted and long-term threat to all its neighbors and beyond.
This was stated by the French Minister for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, at the plenary session of the OSCE Ministerial Council on Thursday in Vienna.
"Russia has become a multifaceted, prolonged, long-term threat. For all its neighbors — it is a long-term threat," he said.
The minister pointed to hybrid actions that Russia also carries out against European countries, including France.
"Russia deliberately kills its opponents abroad, manipulates elections, and tries to influence our opinions to destabilize our democratic countries. We strongly condemn the provocations that undermine and violate international law. This must stop," he emphasized.
According to Haddad, the future of the OSCE region and the European security architecture is now under threat.
"Today, as before, we reject a return to imperial logic or spheres of influence. We want peace, but this peace must be just and lasting. Borders cannot be changed by force," he stressed.
The French minister also insisted that Ukraine "must never remain vulnerable to future attacks" and therefore needs "strong security guarantees that will ensure its future and peace on the continent."
"We will continue coordinating our efforts in this direction with Ukraine and our American friends, as well as all partners, to create conditions that respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and guarantee the security and interests of Europe," he said.
Haddad also stated that the only obstacle to peace in Ukraine continues to be Russia, which "refuses to engage in negotiations in good faith and continues daily bombardments of Ukrainian civilians."
"By violating international law, it puts forward maximalist, escalatory demands and still holds three staff members of the former OSCE SMM. Let me remind you: we have not forgotten these three men and demand their immediate release," the French minister added.
