The OSCE should be ready to play an auxiliary role in the event of de-escalation or the achievement of a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. This position was voiced by the current head of the OSCE, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, during the presentation of the priorities of the Swiss Chairmanship at the OSCE Permanent Council meeting in Vienna.
According to Cassis, during this year Switzerland will work to reaffirm the OSCE’s role as a useful and necessary actor in the context of de-escalation and peace.
The OSCE’s Role and Its Limits
To this end I asked the Secretary-General to accelerate the preparations so that the OSCE would be ready to take on a targeted, reliable, and assisting role in the event of de-escalation or a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. The OSCE will not be a peace-enforcement force nor a magical solution. But it can perform useful functions – notably as a platform for dialogue, as a mechanism to support a ceasefire, or as a goal-focused actor for stabilization
– Ignazio Cassis
Against this backdrop he condemned Russia’s attacks on the population and civilian infrastructure of Ukraine.
Switzerland strongly condemns all attacks on civilians and civilian objects. International humanitarian law must always be observed. We also reiterate the call for the immediate release of the three OSCE staff members detained by Russia
– Ignazio Cassis
He emphasized that Russia’s war against Ukraine “is the greatest challenge our organization has faced since its founding.”
Russia’s war against Ukraine has plunged our organization into the most serious crisis in its history. Our consensus has been undermined, our ability to act substantially diminished, trust deeply damaged
– Ignazio Cassis
“The current crisis should strengthen the OSCE, not marginalize it,” emphasized Cassis. According to him, Switzerland’s approach will be based on three key principles: maximum effectiveness by focusing efforts on areas with real added value, credibility through realistic, financially sound and politically sustainable commitments, and readiness to respond quickly to any windows of opportunity for action.
The current crisis should strengthen the OSCE, not marginalize it
– Ignazio Cassis
“For the success of the OSCE, a budget is also needed. Achieving this as soon as possible is a priority. Alongside the budget, the OSCE needs reform. We are preparing pragmatic proposals so that the organization can fulfill its mandate. We will discuss them all together. The Swiss Chairmanship does not promise the impossible. But we will not stand still,” said the current head of the OSCE.
Since early 2026, Switzerland has chaired the OSCE, reflecting a new impetus for the organization’s work in the context of the Ukraine–Russia conflict.
Participants in the discussion highlighted the importance of funding and reforming the OSCE’s structure for an effective mandate and rapid responses to new challenges.