Rada Speaker, CoE chief discuss return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia

Stefanchuk reported this on Facebook, Ukrinform saw.

"This visit is an important sign of solidarity of the Council of Europe with Ukraine in a difficult time for us. I thanked the Council of Europe for its support for Ukraine, and also noted the leadership and personal contribution of Alain Berset in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. I called for increasing pressure on the Russian Federation to ensure humanitarian access to and the return of children home," Stefanchuk noted.

According to the parliament chair, the Russian aggressor continues to illegally remove Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus, and the occupied territories.

Also, the parties discussed other important issues, including the implementation of a compensation mechanism.

"To date, more than 10,000 applications for compensation have already been filed with the Damage Register, created by the decision of the 4th Summit of the Council of Europe as part of a special compensation mechanism. I count on the active participation of the Council of Europe in the creation of the following elements of the mechanism: the Compensation Commission and the Compensation Fund," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada said.

The parties also discussed the issue of creating a Special Tribunal and holding the Russian leadership accountable for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

"It is particularly important that the draft Statute, developed by experts from the Council of Europe, will form the basis for this tribunal," Stefanchuk noted.

As reported, as of December 3, the International Register of Damages for Ukraine has already received more than 12,000 applications from Ukrainian citizens in one category alone, regarding destroyed and damaged property in various regions.

Photo: Facebook/Stefanchuk