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EU Statement on Ukraine

02.09.2026 Press and information team of the Delegation to the COUNCIL OF EUROPE in Strasbourg

  1. On 24 August, we marked the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence – a day dedicated to celebrating Ukraine's freedom and democracy, its unique history, culture, and identity. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ukraine, our Ukrainian colleagues, and all Ukrainians on Independence Day.    

  2. Yet, for the fifth year in a row, Ukrainians are forced to celebrate their national day under constant Russian bombardment while in the temporarily occupied regions millions suffer from the daily horrors of Russian occupation.  The European Union strongly condemns Russia’s continued and escalated long-range missile and drone attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. In recent weeks, Kyiv and several cities have been subjected to repeated strikes, causing civilian casualties – including children – and widespread destruction. 

  3. We also condemn the violations of the airspace of EU Member States and repeat that Russia bears full responsibility for the consequences of its escalatory behaviour and its continued military actions, which threaten the security of EU citizens, regional stability and international peace. 

  4. We reiterate our call on Russia to immediately end its war of aggression against Ukraine and agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire – something that has been proposed by Ukraine repeatedly. We remain firmly committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. 

  5. The European Union remains determined to ensure accountability for all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We call on Russia to release immediately and unconditionally all unlawfully detained civilians, as well as to ensure the immediate and safe return of all deported or forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. We also renew our call on Russia to fully comply with international humanitarian law in its treatment of prisoners of war.  

  6. We reaffirm the EU’s commitment to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression. In this context, we welcome the ratification on behalf of the European Union of the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission as well as progress on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. It encourages further sustained efforts within the framework of the Council of Europe towards the operationalisation of these two international bodies.

  7. We continue to strongly support Ukraine on its EU path. Our solidarity with the Ukrainian people has never been stronger, and our commitment to a free, independent and democratic Ukraine has never been more resolute. Ukraine and its people will prevail and achieve the just and lasting peace they deserve.

The following countries aligned with this statement: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.