Linkevičius - about the 'escalation' and the desire to revive contacts with Putin
Lithuanian politician Linkevičius discusses the challenges of international diplomacy regarding Russia and the need to revive connections with Putin amidst ongoing conflict.
In a recent statement, Lithuanian politician Linas Linkevičius addressed the escalating situation regarding the efficacy of international organizations in influencing the ongoing war sparked by Russia’s aggressive actions. He criticized the impotence of the United Nations, where all serious initiatives are thwarted by the veto power of Russia in the Security Council. This has effectively rendered the UN Security Council incapable of serving its intended role of maintaining global peace as it becomes hostage to an aggressor. Linkevičius emphasized that even those without formal political training can see the limitations of the UN's influence in the current geopolitical landscape.
Further highlighting the international community's struggle, Linkevičius pointed out that the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has been largely overlooked since the onset of Russia's full-scale aggression in 2022. The recent visit to Moscow by Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, who currently chairs the OSCE, alongside the organization's Secretary-General, Feridun Sinirlioğlu, serves as a reminder of the OSCE's continued relevance and potential role in addressing the crisis. This visit aims to re-establish dialogues and showcase the organization’s capabilities to mediate in tense situations.
Lastly, Linkevičius expressed a desire to renew dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that establishing communication channels is crucial to addressing escalations diplomatically. The implications of his statement reflect a broader call among some political figures for maintaining a pragmatic approach to diplomacy, even with adversarial states, amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This perspective indicates a recognition that constructive engagement may be necessary to de-escalate crisis situations, despite many advocating for a more confrontational stance against Russia.