Relatives of Ukrainian political prisoners call on PACE not to lift sanctions from Russia

The relatives of Ukrainian citizens illegally held in Russia, as well as in occupied territories, have called on PACE delegates not to make changes to the regulations that could ensure the lifting of sanctions from the Russian delegation amid Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

This is stated in a letter, published by the Center for Civil Liberties, from the relatives of Ukrainian hostages of the Kremlin regime to PACE delegates ahead of the vote, in which the pro-Russian lobby promotes procedural changes in favor of Russia, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We have appreciated firm reaction of the Parliamentary Assembly to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Russia's military action in eastern Ukraine. We are grateful that the Assembly called on Russia to release our beloved ones. At the same time, we have observed with pain and regret attempts to allow Russia to return to PACE without fulfilling demands of the Assembly, contained in its resolutions," the appeal reads.

The relatives of Ukrainian prisoners noted that during the spring session of the Assembly the delegates are considering proposals to amend the mechanism of imposing sanctions.

The letter warns that this will allow Russia to eventually restore its rights at the Assembly and at the same time escape responsibility for what it has done to Ukrainian citizens.

"This kind of reform will mean a political solution for some and a loss of hope for us. We call on you to look for a solution that will imply Russia's contribution to it. We hope that the contribution will be the release of political prisoners in Russian Federation and occupied Crimea and all detainees from Donbas. We believe in the Council of Europe and so do our relatives who are behind bars in Russia and occupied Ukrainian territories. Please don't compromise this belief," the letter reads.

On Monday, April 8, the PACE supported the holding of a debate under an urgent procedure to discuss a report, the adoption of which aims to simplify the procedure for lifting sanctions from the Russian delegation in the Assembly.

Since the beginning of military aggression against Ukraine in 2014, Russia has been holding at least 97 political hostages and prisoners of war on its territory and about 120 people in occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea.

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