France, Germany and the United Kingdom on Thursday urged Russia to immediately release three former officials of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), saying Russia is holding them unlawfully. The three countries delivered a joint statement at the OSCE in Vienna on Nov. 12, 2026.

The statement was read by Germany’s ambassador to the OSCE, Sabine Stöhr, on behalf of the three countries, according to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, which published the text. The three countries said they were gravely concerned by reports about the health of one of the men, Vadym Golda.

The statement says the three men are Golda, Maksym Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov. All served in the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. The three countries said Russia continues to hold them in violation of international law.

The statement says the countries understand that Golda has been moved to a medical correctional facility in Russia’s Tambov region. The countries said this raises further concerns about his health and treatment. The statement does not say why he was moved or give details about his condition.

The statement notes that the mission was set up with the agreement of every participating state, including Russia. It says the men “are not bargaining chips.” It calls Russia’s treatment of them “a direct affront” to the OSCE and says it sets a dangerous precedent for people serving in international missions.

The three countries said personnel sent under an international mandate must be able to do their work without fear of arbitrary detention, politically motivated prosecution or imprisonment.

The statement asks Russia to release the three men immediately and unconditionally and return them safely to their families. Until then, it says, Russia must give reliable information about where they are and how they are doing. It also asks Russia to make sure they receive appropriate medical care and to allow them regular contact with their families.

The countries also thanked the OSCE Secretary General and the Chairperson-in-Office for their efforts to win the men’s freedom. They encouraged both to step up their engagement with Russia and to keep the release a priority.

The statement does not say when the men were detained, what charges or sentences they face, or how Russia has responded. The text did not include a Russian reply.