Council of Europe condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine

According to Ukrinform, the text of the statement has been posted on the official website of the Council of Europe.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, an unjustified military attack of one member State of the Council of Europe against another member State. We reiterate our unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders," reads a joint statement issued by the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chair of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, Luigi Di Maio, the President of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, Tiny Kox, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić.

The leaders of the Council of Europe called on Russia to implement the interim measures indicated by the European Court of Human Rights on 1 and 4 March 2022.

"The right to life must be respected and guaranteed. In this respect we call on Russia to refrain from military attacks against civilians and civilian objects, to ensure the safety of medical establishments, personnel and emergency vehicles, to ensure unimpeded access of the civilian population to safe evacuation routes, healthcare, food and other essential supplies, as well as to ensure rapid and unconstrained passage of humanitarian aid and movement of humanitarian workers," the statement said.

"We once again call on the Russian Federation to stop its aggression, return to the path of diplomacy and fully recommit to European values. We will continue to follow the situation closely and remain committed to taking further measures," the leaders of the Council of Europe said.