Malta Secures OSCE Chairmanship Amid Russia Tensions

Russia's actions at the OSCE summit spark international backlash, accusations of attempting to destroy the organization.

Malta has secured the rotating chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for next year, following Russia's veto of NATO member Estonia's bid.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the OSCE summit, sparking backlash and boycotts from countries including Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Several states, including Germany, have accused Russia of trying to destroy the OSCE, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stating that Russia's 'perfidious game' is to destroy organizations that rely on peaceful coexistence and cooperation.
Lavrov criticized the early departure of Washington's Antony Blinken and the EU's Josep Borrell from the summit, accusing them of cowardice and an unwillingness to engage in honest dialogue.
Despite tensions and objections from Russia, the OSCE confirmed Secretary-General Helga Schmid for a new three-year term and passed the rotating presidency from North Macedonia to Malta.