The OSCE is the only international organisation that has been directly involved in resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Russian aggression against Ukraine, illegal occupation of Crimea, and militarisation of the peninsula have been intensively discussed in the OSCE forums. The Crimean and Black Sea security issues have been in focus since the spring of 2018, when the illegal construction of the Kerch bridge had been completed, as a result blocking free passage of Ukrainian vessels from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov and significantly affecting the security of the entire region. The article highlights the role of the OSCE in the de-occupation and demilitarisation of Crimea, discussions of these issues in the OSCE Permanent Council and Forum for Security Cooperation, negotiation tactics of Ukraine, and reaction of Russia and Ukraine’s partner countries.
Andrii Tkachuk, PhD, D.Sc
Embassy of Ukraine in Austria
Volodymyr Prykhodko, M.Sc
Mission of Ukraine to the OSCE
