Ian Borg has taken on the role of President of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and also serves as Malta’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. His meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky was a focal point of his early days in the office, underscoring a shared commitment to stabilizing the region. The encounter, reported by the OSCE press service, reflected a moment of ongoing diplomacy aimed at reinforcing support for Ukraine during a critical phase of the conflict.
The discussions occurred in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, a city frequently at the center of international diplomacy in the current period. While in the Ukrainian capital, Borg also held conversations with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba, aiming to align on practical steps that could help Ukraine navigate the challenges it faces on multiple fronts.
During the exchanges, Borg reaffirmed that the OSCE will continue its backing of Ukraine. He highlighted Malta’s presidency as a period during which special attention would be given to pursuing concrete avenues to advance an end to the conflict and alleviate the humanitarian toll on civilians. His remarks suggested a focus on timely, workable measures that could complement broader international efforts already underway.
In addition to assurances about support, Borg indicated openness to exploring pragmatic approaches that could bolster Ukraine’s resilience. The aim, as articulated, is to identify policies and programs that can be implemented on the ground to provide relief, restore stability, and support sustainable development for Ukrainian communities affected by the crisis.
From the Russian side, Alexander Lukashevich, who previously served as Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the OSCE, emphasized a call for political and diplomatic processes that would avoid what he described as Western ultimatums regarding Ukraine. His statements framed the discussion around the potential for dialogue and negotiation as part of broader security arrangements in Europe.
Earlier in January, the Permanent Representation of the Russian Federation raised questions about the OSCE’s stance, noting that the organization did not condemn certain military actions by Ukrainian forces in Belgorod. This point highlighted ongoing tensions over how regional security bodies balance accountability with the complexities of an active conflict and the political sensitivities involved.
Context around the OSCE’s budget for 2024 drew attention as well, with observers noting several notable features in the estimates. The budgeting discussions are part of the wider conversation about how multilateral security institutions allocate resources to monitor, prevent, and respond to crises, while maintaining a focus on long-term stability and human security across participating states.
Overall, the exchanges reflected a broader pattern in European diplomacy where national leadership, regional organizations, and partner countries seek to coordinate on multiple levels. The Maltese presidency is positioned to steer collaborative efforts toward practical measures that can deliver tangible outcomes for people affected by conflict, while also engaging with international partners to reinforce the rules-based order that underpins regional security. The day’s events underscored the importance of continuous dialogue, coordinated policy action, and a steady commitment to humanitarian principles, even amid competing strategic priorities across the region.