Blinken Lavrov clash/ OSCE meeting Ukraine/ Malta security summit/ Russia Ukraine tensions/ Sergey Lavrov Malta/ Antony Blinken NATO remarks/ Ukraine sovereignty debate/ VALLETTA/ Malta/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At the OSCE meeting in Malta, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov clashed over Ukraine. Lavrov accused the West of provoking escalation, while Blinken condemned Russia’s actions, including attacks on Ukraine and lowered nuclear-use thresholds.
Blinken and Lavrov Face Off in Malta: Quick Looks
- Lavrov’s Claims: Accused West of Cold War revival and escalation over Ukraine.
- Blinken’s Response: Blamed Russia for regional tensions and Ukraine attacks.
- Walkouts: Ukraine, Poland, and Estonia representatives left during Lavrov’s speech.
- Lavrov’s EU Return: First visit to an EU nation since Ukraine invasion began.
- Human Rights Concerns: Calls to release 38 journalists detained by Russia.
Blinken, Russia’s Lavrov Clash Over Ukraine at Malta Meeting
Deep Look
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov clashed indirectly at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) ministerial meeting in Malta on Thursday. The session highlighted deep divisions over the war in Ukraine, with sharp rhetoric and symbolic gestures underscoring the growing international tensions.
Lavrov’s Accusations Against the West
Speaking to the gathering, Lavrov accused Western nations of reviving the Cold War and seeking a direct confrontation with Russia. He criticized NATO’s role, suggesting the alliance was exploiting the Ukraine conflict to regain political relevance.
“After the Afghan disgrace, there was a need for a new common enemy,” Lavrov said, calling the situation a “reincarnation of the Cold War, now with the far greater risk of escalation into the hot phase.”
However, Lavrov exited the room before other speakers, including Blinken, had the chance to respond.
Blinken’s Counterarguments
Taking the podium after Lavrov’s departure, Blinken firmly placed the blame for the region’s instability on Russia. He cited Russian missile attacks on Ukraine, the deployment of North Korean forces in Europe, and a lowered threshold for nuclear weapon use as clear examples of Russian escalation.
“This is about the sovereign right of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people to make their own choices about the future, not to have those choices made in and by Moscow,” Blinken said.
Symbolic Walkouts and Condemnations
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha opened the session, emphasizing his nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty. He and the foreign ministers of Poland and Estonia staged a walkout as Lavrov began speaking.
Before leaving, Sybiha condemned Lavrov as a “war criminal,” declaring, “Ukraine will succeed, and justice will prevail.”
Lavrov’s Limited EU Presence
The meeting marked Lavrov’s first visit to an EU nation since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. While Lavrov faces EU sanctions, he is not subject to a travel ban. His attendance at Western-led forums remains rare but follows appearances at the UN General Assembly and the G20 summit in Brazil.
Visa Controversy
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who had planned to accompany Lavrov, was denied a visa by Malta due to objections from three OSCE member nations. Malta cited Zakharova’s inclusion in a travel ban as the reason.
Broader Context and Human Rights Concerns
The OSCE meeting also highlighted ongoing human rights concerns. Reporters Without Borders called on the organization to address the detention of 38 journalists in Russia, including 19 Ukrainians held in illegally occupied territories. The advocacy group noted that Russia is the world’s fifth-largest jailer of journalists, underscoring the broader humanitarian implications of the conflict.
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