Following a commemorative ceremony at the Council of Europe, EU Ambassador to the Council of Europe, Vesna Kos, delivered a statement on behalf of the EU during an extraordinary session of the Ministers’ Deputies meeting. The statement emphasised continuing support for Ukraine, condemnation of Russia and the need for accountability. Further, it stressed that Ukraine should participate in peace negotiations. The Ministers’ Deputies unanimously adopted several decisions, highlighting the determination of States and Governments to stay united supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia. The decisions further condemned Russia`s violations of human rights and international law in Ukraine, including the forced deportation of children and attacks on civilians, and reaffirmed the continued commitment to accountability and support for Ukraine.

During the session, two Ukrainian women shared powerful testimonies detailing their own experiences and those of others who were or are being detained as civilians in Russian prisons. Yuliia Dvornychenko, who was held in the Donetsk pretrial detention centre and released in October 2022, and Aksiniya Bobruiko, the daughter of a Ukrainian citizen still imprisoned, spoke about their ordeals. Their testimonies highlighted the widespread use of sexual violence against Ukrainian women. They described Russia’s actions as systemic terror beyond grave human rights violations. Both women spoke of the lack of medical assistance and communication, the absence of fair trials, and urged the development of effective measures to secure the release of Ukrainian civilians from Russian captivity.

In the afternoon, EU Ambassadors to the Council of Europe met with their Ukrainian counterpart Ambassador Borys Tarasyuk for a group photo and an informal discussion on further EU support for Ukraine and related issues.

You can watch the full meeting here.