European powers urge Russia to release officials

France, Germany and the United Kingdom have jointly called upon Russia to release three former officials of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe who remain imprisoned after their service in Ukraine. In a statement delivered at the OSCE in Vienna on 12 November, they expressed their serious concern regarding the continued detention of Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov, labelling their imprisonment unlawful and contrary to international law.

Particular alarm was raised regarding Golda’s health, as reports emerged that he had been moved to a. The statement noted that this development raised further questions about his wellbeing and treatment. The statement was presented on behalf of the three nations by Germany’s Ambassador to the OSCE, Sabine Stöhr, who highlighted that the men were part of an international mission established with the approval of all states involved, including Russia.

“They are not bargaining chips. They are our colleagues, and they should be at home with their families,” the statement remarked, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The three governments deemed Russia’s handling of the former officials a direct affront to the OSCE and its member states, warning that the ongoing detention risks a dangerous precedent for personnel involved in international missions.

They insisted that personnel operating under an international mandate must be able to perform their responsibilities without fear of arbitrary detention or politically motivated charges. The countries also expressed appreciation for the OSCE Secretary General and its Chairperson-in-Office’s efforts to secure the release of the officials, urging them to strengthen their engagement with Russia and keep the case a top priority.

The joint request to Moscow included calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all three men, ensuring their safe return to their families. In the meantime, Russia was urged to provide consistent information about the officials’ locations and conditions, guarantee access to proper medical care, and facilitate regular communication with their families.

This situation raises broader concerns about the safeguarding of international personnel operating in conflict zones and the responsibilities of member states towards individuals serving under internationally accepted mandates.