Ukraine, Slovakia, and Slovenia have been elected to the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for the 2026-2028 term. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha noted that Russia has suffered a third consecutive defeat in the council elections, underscoring the international community’s stance against the use of chemical weapons. The OPCW, based in The Hague, is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and has been a focal point for discussions on disarmament and non-proliferation.
The decision to elect Ukraine, Slovakia, and Slovenia to the Executive Council comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Sybiha emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenge of chemical weapon proliferation and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to upholding the principles of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The outcome of the elections is seen as a symbolic victory for Ukraine and its allies, reflecting the global consensus on the need for a chemical weapons-free world.
While Russia’s exclusion from the Executive Council is a diplomatic setback, the OPCW’s role continues to be critical in monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. The organization has been instrumental in investigations and disarmament efforts worldwide, and its work remains a cornerstone of international peace and security. The election results highlight the ongoing importance of multilateral diplomacy in addressing global security challenges and underscore the significant impact of Ukraine’s position on international chemical disarmament efforts.