DISINFO: The Polish decision not to allow Lavrov to the OSCE meeting is provocative
SUMMARY
The Polish decision not to allow Lavrov's participation in the OSCE ministerial meeting in Łódź is unprecedented and provocative. Within a year, Warsaw demolished the foundations of the OSCE, cancelling most of the key meetings or holding them in a "substitute" format. This unacceptable campaign against Russia in the context of the Ministerial Council is the culmination of Poland's entire "anti-presidency" in the OSCE.
RESPONSE
This message is a part of the Kremlin’s widespread narrative about anti-Russian, Russophobic Poland, which deliberately worsens its relations with Russia and implements aggressive policies.
On 18 November 2022, the Polish MFA announced its decision not to admit Russian representatives to the OSCE Ministerial Meeting in Łódź. According to the Polish statement, "delegations should be adjusted to the current EU regulations and not include persons that are sanctioned by the European Union. Following Russia's illegal aggression against Ukraine on February 24th, a number of Russian nationals were added to the list of sanctioned individuals, including Minister Lavrov".
This Polish decision is an act of solidarity with Ukraine. Poland did not ban Russian participation in the OSCE meeting but sent a message that “this delegation should not include persons sanctioned by the EU after Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine, including Minister Lavrov”.
See other cases accusing Poland of Russophobia and anti-Russian position.