“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is the largest and longest war in Europe since World War II,” he said. “In Ukraine, Russia is violating the UN Charter and each of the Helsinki principles.”
Ms. Valtonen traced those principles to the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, a Cold War-era agreement signed by the United States, the Soviet Union and European nations that laid the foundation for security cooperation. The agreement affirmed, among other points, respect for borders, territorial integrity, the non-use of force and fundamental human rights.
“How this war ends will decisively determine the future of peace and stability not only in Europe, but throughout the world,” Valtonen warned, urging continued international support for Ukraine to achieve “a just and lasting peace.”
Regional diplomacy is crucial
He also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the OSCE and the United Nations, noting that their partnership allows regional diplomacy to strengthen the global role of the Security Council.
“Multilateral cooperation based on international law can and should be the basis of international peace and security. This is also what countries and people around the world expect,” he said.
Under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, regional organizations such as the OSCE are encouraged to help prevent and resolve conflicts before they reach the Security Council, he added, describing such partnership as essential for peace and stability.
Focus on accountability
Accountability, he added, has remained central to the Finnish OSCE presidency, including addressing the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. Through the OSCE Ukraine Support Programme, the organization has helped register missing children and support their rehabilitation.
Beyond Ukraine, he highlighted the OSCE’s broader regional engagement. In Moldova he reaffirmed his support for the Transnistrian settlement process and in the South Caucasus he welcomed progress between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
He also highlighted engagement in Georgia, Central Asia and Southeast Europe, including support for the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, social dialogue in Serbia and efforts to resolve the political and institutional crisis in Kosovo.