EU reiterates commitment to hold Russia to account for war crimes in Ukraine

A just peace in Ukraine after the Russian invasion is repelled must be based on respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity, its ability to effectively defend itself in the future, and the prosecution of all those who committed war crimes in its territory.

This is stated in the conclusions of the European Council, adopted following its meeting on October 20-21.

“Ukraine has stated its readiness for a just peace, which should include respect for its territorial integrity and sovereignty as protected by the UN Charter; safeguarding Ukraine’s ability to defend itself in the future; ensuring its recovery and reconstruction, including exploring avenues to do so with funds from Russia; and pursuing accountability for Russian crimes committed during the war,” the resolution reads.

It is underscored that war crimes committed against Ukrainians and the continuous destruction of civilian infrastructure are a gross violation of international law.

“The European Union reiterates its firm commitment to holding Russia, and all perpetrators and accomplices, to account, and its strong support for the investigations by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. The European Council acknowledges Ukraine’s efforts to secure accountability, including for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. It invites the High Representative and the Commission to explore options so that full accountability can be ensured,” says the conclusions adopted by the EU leaders.

The heads of state and government of the European Union Member States reiterated their condemnation of Russia's act of aggression against Ukraine and attempts to escalate the situation by declaring the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories, conducting mobilization in Russia, carrying out provocations at the ZNPP, and shelling peaceful cities and civilian infrastructure of Ukraine.

The EU leaders reaffirmed that they would stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. In particular, the EU will continue to provide strong political, military and financial support to Ukraine. The decision to conduct an EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine was adopted by the Council, as well as the recent decision to further increase the European Peace Facility assistance measures in support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“The European Council demands that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, as the UN General Assembly demanded, and that Russia stop all hybrid attacks against Ukraine,” the document stressed.

As reported, on October 20-21, a two-day meeting of the heads of state and government of the European Union was held in Brussels to find solutions to the current energy crisis provoked by Russia. In the international bloc, the leaders of the EU member states considered the situation in Ukraine and confirmed their readiness to continue supporting it in its fight against the Russian invasion.

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