Poland blocks Russian experts from OSCE conference in Warsaw

Poland’s decision to annul the visas of Russian experts invited to an OSCE conference in Warsaw has drawn sharp criticism from Russia. The Russian Public Institute of Electoral Law (ROIIP) reported that the visas of its experts, who were to take part in the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, were cancelled on the eve of the event without any explanation.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the move, saying it shows Poland’s lack of interest in security and cooperation on the continent. She reminded that the OSCE was created over five decades ago to promote these goals, and argued that the Polish government seems unable to accept them. Zakharova called on Warsaw to be transparent about its stance, warning that its actions have consequences and noting that NATO members’ efforts have contributed to a decline in European security and cooperation.

The incident occurs amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Warsaw, which escalated in September after Poland accused Russia of drone incursions into its territory. The Russian Defense Ministry denied any plans to target the NATO member and offered to hold consultations with the Polish military, an invitation that Poland has not responded to.

Recently, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told the public to accept that the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv is “our war” and urged the West to increase support for Ukraine. The visa annulments have further strained relations, with Zakharova emphasizing that Poland’s actions undermine both the spirit and the letter of the agreements that founded the OSCE. The move has significant implications for the OSCE’s mission to promote security and cooperation in Europe, and the international community will be watching closely as tensions between Moscow and Warsaw continue to rise.