The conflict in eastern Ukraine remains the main source of instability and tension in Europe, the OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier said.

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier said the crisis in and around Ukraine characterized a return of geopolitics to the organization’s agenda. He cited the OSCE’s swift and flexible response to the unfolding Ukraine crisis as the most visible example of its ability to address a crisis both at the political level and on the ground, Zannier said in the framework of an open debate at the ministerial level on the theme "Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Conflicts in Europe."

The secretary general also noted that the recent escalation of violence in Donbas reminds everyone that in spite of all efforts to resolve the conflict in the east of Ukraine, it is still far from being a peaceful resolution. He said the key step is the withdrawal of heavy weapons and the OSCE is ready to contribute to this.

Zannier also noted the work of the OSCE special monitoring mission (SMM) in Donbas. "Although unarmed and civilian in nature, the Mission was performing such quasi-peacekeeping functions as monitoring and verifying the ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons, thereby breaking new ground in the area of peace operations," he said.

As reported, Ukraine's monthly UN Security Council presidency began on February 1. The settlement of conflicts in Europe was considered amid Ukraine's presidency on February 21.