Title: Europe’s Top Diplomat Refuses Meeting with Russian Counterpart Amidst Growing Tensions
Date: [Insert Date]
In a move highlighting the escalating tensions between Russia and the European Union (EU), Europe’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has made the decision not to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during the latter’s visit to Skopje. This decision comes in the wake of a previous incident in which Lavrov had allegedly belittled and insulted Borrell during a meeting in the Kremlin earlier this year.
Lavrov has arrived in North Macedonia to attend a meeting of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), despite being subject to an EU visa-ban list due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, exemptions are permitted for attending multilateral events. Although Bulgaria has granted Lavrov’s plane a special permit to enter its airspace, it remains uncertain if Lavrov’s delegation will be able to participate, as they are currently under EU sanctions.
The Skopje meeting has witnessed a partial boycott as Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have opted out, arguing that it presents Russia with a propaganda opportunity. Furthermore, Borrell and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have also decided against meeting with Lavrov.
Nonetheless, several Western countries, including Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and France, are attending the gathering. The meeting has become a platform for Borrell and Ukraine’s foreign minister to reaffirm their support for Ukraine by pledging to continue arming and funding the country’s efforts in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Russia’s recent announcement of a significant increase in defense spending for 2024 only serves to confirm its preparation for a prolonged conflict. The situation has also led to Finland closing its border with Russia, citing concerns over irregular migration and Russian harassment.
During the Skopje meeting, Lavrov is expected to voice criticism of the West’s handling of the Israeli-Gaza conflict, as well as accuse Western leaders of racism and neo-Nazism. However, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has rejected Lavrov’s comparisons, emphasizing that Israel’s actions in Gaza were in response to a terrorist attack, while Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was an act of unprovoked aggression.
The absence of key diplomatic meetings and the divisions evident at the OSCE meeting reflect the growing strain between Russia and the EU. As tensions continue to escalate, the international community anxiously observes the evolving dynamics between these major players on the world stage.
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