Overview

• Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said Russia’s view of ODIHR is calm and detached, noting Moscow now invites observers from CSTO, CIS, SCO and allied parliamentary bodies for elections.
• CEC member Pavel Andreev reported that Ella Pamfilova sent a congratulatory letter inviting dialogue to the newly appointed ODIHR chief but received no response.
• Andreev criticized ODIHR as overly autonomous and failing to equally reflect the interests of all participating states.
• Grushko argued that the inclusion of European Parliament and NATO Parliamentary Assembly members in ODIHR observation missions has become a new reality that signals political orientation.
• Lawmakers and officials discussed the advisability of Russia’s continued engagement with ODIHR, signaling ongoing review without announcing a withdrawal decision.