Poland’s Zbigniew Rau, Sweden’s Ann Linde and North Macedonia’s Bujar Osmani hosted Ukraine’s Dmytro Kuleba in their capacity as leaders of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Poland presides over the OSCE in 2022, with Rau being the organisation’s Chairman-in-Office. Sweden led the OSCE last year, while North Macedonia will take over for the duration of 2023.
The talks between the so-called OSCE Troika and Ukraine’s Kuleba took place in the city of Rzeszów, the capital of Poland’s southeastern Podkarpackie province. The region has seen a huge influx of people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
At a joint news conference afterwards, Rau said: “We want to reiterate our full support to Ukraine in these times of utmost horror and devastation.”
Poland’s top diplomat added: “What we are witnessing right now is that Russia deliberately creates a humanitarian catastrophe and disregards the basic principles of international humanitarian law.”
'Russian forces target innocent people'
Rau also said that “Russian forces target innocent people fleeing atrocities.”
He referred to Friday’s brutal attack on the railway station in Ukraine’s eastern city of Kramatorsk.
Police and rescuers on the scene after a Russian missile strike hit a railway station in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, on Friday, April 8, 2022. Photo: EPA/DONETSK REGIONAL STATE ADMINISTRATION HANDOUT
“Attacking the train station in Kramatorsk which was full of civilians, killing and injuring dozens of them is a heinous terrorist act. Perpetrators of such crimes will be punished by the civilized world.”
Poland’s foreign minister told the news conference that more than 2.5 million refugees, representing over 180 nationalities, have poured into his country since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.
He hailed “the enormous dedication and sacrifice” of the people of Poland's Podkarpackie province, "who are selflessly helping their neighbours.”
‘Marshall Plan for Ukraine’
Rau said that Ukraine “must be supported in its hope for a better future.”
“We must propose a plan for the postwar reconstruction of Ukraine,” he added, calling it “a sort of Marshall Plan for when the conflict ends.”
Rau also called on Russia “to immediately cease its war operations against Ukraine, respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity and protect the civilian population.”
‘Isolate Russia’
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian foreign minister urged the OSCE to isolate Russia within the organisation.
Kuleba also appealed to the OSCE “to prepare a report detailing the atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine.”
Poland 'brings faith in humanity’
Sweden’s Linde said: “As a country with some experience of securing living conditions for people fleeing war, Sweden would like to express great respect for Poland.”
She added: “Your limitless dedication and engagement in helping your neighbours brings faith in humanity and a better future.”
North Macedonia’s Osmani echoed these sentiments, saying: “The scale of Polish support for the people in highest need is beyond comparison.”
He stressed: “I am convinced that the international community is well noticing this attitude and is ready to support Poland in this life-saving mission.”
Earlier, the four foreign ministers travelled to the Polish-Ukrainian border crossing in Korczowa, where they met with Polish Border Guard officials, and visited a refugee reception centre in nearby Młyny, officials told reporters.
Friday was day 44 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Poland on Friday reported it had welcomed more than 2.57 million refugees fleeing Russia's war against Ukraine.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP, osce.org, bbc.com