The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document PC.DEL/855/26 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 18 September 2026 Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. ENGLISH only
STATEMENT BY THE DELEGATION OF UKRAINE As delivered by Ms Viktoria Kuvshynnykova, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna 1577th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council Agenda Item 4 “Review of Current Issues” On the incident at Leipzig Airport on 4th of August (17 September 2026)
Mr Chairperson, Ukraine stands in full solidarity with Germany and strongly condemns an attempted act of sabotage at Leipzig/Halle Airport, organised by the Russian Federation. Regrettably, we continue to see Russia intensify its multi-layered hybrid campaigns across Europe. Russia is moving from the sustained pressure it has used against Ukraine to active operations targeting EU and NATO member states. Sabotage targeting defence manufacturers in a dozen EU countries, covert recruitment through proxies, GPS jamming affecting aviation, drone and missile incursions into NATO airspace, and cyber-attacks are all part of this broader campaign. Ukraine understands these tactics better than anyone. Moscow used hybrid methods to test our defences, undermine our internal unity, weaken our resistance, and create the conditions for further military action. The attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport is a serious and extremely dangerous escalation. As Minister Sybiha stated in his reaction, such incidents must be taken seriously and treated as coordinated components of a broader malicious strategy. Europe therefore needs a decisive strategy to counter the Russian threat. These measures are necessary to protect Europe’s economy, democratic systems, and institutions, and, above all, its citizens. Thank you, Mr Chairperson.