Blinken and Lavrov trade barbs over Ukraine at Malta Security Summit

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sparred indirectly over the Ukraine conflict at a high-profile security meeting in Malta. Lavrov criticized Western policies and warned of escalating tensions, while Blinken countered by attributing the regional crisis to Russia's actions.

During the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) ministerial meeting, Lavrov accused the West of reigniting Cold War dynamics and provoking a direct confrontation with Russia. Labeling NATO's resurgence as a ploy following the "Afghan disgrace," Lavrov asserted, "The result is the reincarnation of the Cold War, now with a far greater risk of escalation into a hot phase."

Lavrov, attending his first event in an EU nation since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, left the venue after delivering his remarks, avoiding responses from other leaders.

Blinken, speaking after Lavrov's departure, highlighted Russia's role in heightening tensions. "Let's talk about escalation," Blinken said, pointing to Russia's deployment of North Korean forces in Europe, missile attacks on Ukraine, threats involving nuclear weapons, and assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Citing Lavrov's remarks on sovereignty, Blinken emphasized, "This is about the sovereign right of Ukraine and its people to make their own choices, not to have those choices dictated by Moscow."

The meeting also saw a dramatic walkout by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, joined by his Polish and Estonian counterparts, as Lavrov took the podium. Before leaving, Sybiha labeled Lavrov a "war criminal," asserting, "Ukraine will prevail, and justice will be served."

This gathering marked Lavrov's rare appearance in an EU country since the invasion began. While he has attended events such as the United Nations General Assembly and the G20 summit in Brazil, he has largely avoided Western-dominated forums.

The visit faced controversy, with Malta revoking a visa for Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, citing objections from three OSCE member states. Although Lavrov is under EU sanctions, he faces no travel ban, unlike Zakharova.

Meanwhile, press freedom group Reporters Without Borders called on the OSCE to demand the release of 38 journalists detained by Russia, including 19 Ukrainians from occupied territories. The organization described Russia as the world's fifth-largest jailer of journalists.

Blinken's presence at the Malta meeting followed his participation in NATO talks in Brussels, likely his last as part of the Biden administration. Ukraine, which had boycotted last year's OSCE event due to Lavrov's participation, returned to the table this year.