A solidarity visit to Ukraine by a delegation of 23 Permanent Representatives of the OSCE participating States continues, aimed at demonstrating political support for our country and assessing Ukraine's needs in the context of countering ongoing Russian aggression.

The OSCE delegation and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa honored the memory of fallen Ukrainian defenders and took part in a flower-laying ceremony at the Wall of Remembrance near St. Michael’s Cathedral.

The Permanent Representatives also visited an exhibition of Ukrainian weaponry, drones, and equipment, which demonstrates the growing capabilities of Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex and its contribution not only to the defense of Ukraine but also to global security.

On July 21, as part of the visit, a meeting took place between governmental partners and OSCE participating States that act as donors of OSCE project activities in Ukraine, held under the auspices of the Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office – OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

In her address to the event participants, Deputy Minister Mariana Betsa expressed gratitude to OSCE participating States for the financial support that enables the implementation of projects in line with the priorities and requests of the Ukrainian side.

"The OSCE plays an important role in providing project support to Ukraine, thanks to its comprehensive approach to security and its ability to combine expert assistance with practical measures aimed at addressing the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine," emphasized Mariana Betsa.

Noting the overall importance of the OSCE’s ongoing project activities, the Deputy Minister called for prioritizing projects that directly address the consequences of Russian aggression and support national reforms in the context of Ukraine’s European integration.

The meeting was also attended by representatives of state institutions that serve as direct governmental partners in the implementation of specific projects led by the Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office – OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

Meeting participants discussed ongoing project activities aimed at supporting Ukrainian citizens amidst the continuing Russian aggression, facilitating efforts to hold Russian war criminals accountable, and restoring the environment.

The participants reaffirmed the importance of the OSCE providing further practical assistance to Ukraine through the implementation of relevant projects and effective coordination among all stakeholders to achieve maximum impact.