“The ODIHR decided not to send its representatives to Russia, if the bureau changes their minds and realizes that this decision is wrong, then you are welcome,” he said.
Grushko was asked whether the Russian side would "persuade" the bureau.
“No, it won't, we have fully complied with all the commitments that we assumed within the OSCE and other international organizations regarding the invitation of international observers,” the deputy minister replied.
Earlier, the OSCE stated that it would not be able to send observers to the elections to the State Duma due to the requirement to limit their number.
At the end of July, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Russia is ready to accept and ensure the safe stay of international observers for the upcoming elections of the State Duma deputies.