Russian Negotiator: The OSCE Is Sick, Ukraine Is a Bursting Abscess

Medinsky, Russia’s chief negotiator, is no stranger to blunt rhetoric. Following the conclusion of the UAE round of talks, his remarks left Ukraine with little illusion: without anchoring itself firmly to European support, there will be no breakthrough on the battlefield.

“Every inch of Russian territory will return to Russia in some form,” Medinsky declared. “Let European newspapers continue living in their fantasy world.”

He added: “The war in Ukraine reveals that Europe’s security architecture is functioning poorly—indeed, the entire system is diseased. Ukraine is merely a bursting abscess. Band-Aids won’t suffice; the whole organism must be healed.”

A journalist asked Medinsky whether he had spoken with Europeans during the negotiations.

His reply: “I don’t know what these Europeans are doing here. This is a three-party meeting. If they wish, as tourists, they may freely stroll and socialize in the hotel lobby.”

The implication is clear: Europe is relegated to observer status, excluded from substantive decision-making. The real power lies with the United States and Russia—European maneuvering holds no decisive weight.

From Moscow’s perspective, the peace process is being shaped by Moscow and Washington first. Only after a new European security framework is established would discussions on ceasefire proceed.

Though Medinsky’s tone toward Europeans is scathing, it is worth noting that without European financial, military, and political backing, Ukraine would not have reached this point. Despite being excluded from formal negotiations, Europe remains the backbone of Zelenskyy’s position. With Trump’s administration weakened, Europe’s strategic role has grown more consequential.

Medinsky launched a pointed critique at European governments: “We have received no single peace initiative or concrete proposal from any European state. Only when their consciences awaken can they become participants in peace talks. Until then, they are complicit in collective deception toward the Ukrainian people—and de facto co-responsible for civilian casualties. Much depends on Ukraine, on the stance of the United States, and on whether Europe can finally awaken.”

Medinsky’s ire appears less directed at Ukraine itself than at the European powers behind the scenes—those providing funding, weapons, and strategic support.

Ukrainian official Umerov stated that the main outcome was an agreement on large-scale prisoner exchanges, currently being finalized and advanced. Discussions also covered pathways to peace and postwar reconstruction. Substantial disagreements remain, and considerable work lies ahead—but prospects for continued dialogue persist.

Compared to the broader reconfiguration of European security, prisoner exchanges represent limited progress. Such exchanges have occurred regularly in the past and do not necessarily require tripartite negotiation.

Kushner remarked: “It is not yet the right moment for Putin and Zelenskyy to meet face-to-face… this is a highly intense conflict.”

The comment underscores a sobering reality: expectations of Russian concessions remain exceedingly low.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881574727170124/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.