EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine
1. The European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. By its illegal military actions, Russia is grossly violating international law, the principles of the UN Charter and the Council of Europe Statute and undermining European and global security and stability. The EU underlines that this includes the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own future and destiny. Russia bears full responsibility for this act of aggression and all the destruction and loss of life it is causing. It will be held accountable for its actions.
2. We also strongly condemn the active involvement of Belarus in this aggression against Ukraine and reiterate our call on it to refrain from such action and to abide by its international obligations.
3. The European Union demands that Russia immediately ceases its military actions, unconditionally withdraws all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognised borders and territorial waters. We call on Russia to respect international humanitarian law and stop their disinformation campaign and cyber-attacks.
4. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has provoked a continually increasing influx of refugees fleeing Ukraine and seeking shelter in neighbouring European countries. The rapid mobilisation of neighbouring states to receive and accommodate refugees is a tangible proof of European solidarity. Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia and Romania have received more than 700 000 refugees so far. This number continues to grow. Ukrainian citizens and third-country nationals fleeing the Russian aggression and human rights defenders and other persons fleeing from politically motivated persecution in Russia or Belarus should be able to cross the borders to the EU into safety. We encourage the competent Council of Europe mechanisms, including the Secretary General’s Special Representative on Migration and Refugees, in cooperation with relevant EU institutions, to find possible ways of addressing the current refugee crisis in line with the Council of Europe Action Plan on Protecting Vulnerable Persons in the Context of Migration and Asylum in Europe (2021-2025).
5. We strongly condemn and express our deep concern over reported casualties of other nationalities, including members of the Greek community in eastern Ukraine, due to Russia’s aggressive acts. Two Danish reporters were also wounded. We underline that journalists and other media actors must be offered every protection to carry out their essential role at this extremely dangerous moment. Journalists enjoy special protection under international humanitarian law and must be treated as non-combatants.
6. We stand together with the people in Russia and Belarus who protest peacefully against an unjust war, risking their freedom and lives in defending the values and principles of the Council of Europe. We condemn the harassment and arrests of those exercising their fundamental right of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. It is the democratic right of the Russian people to determine their country’s future in the pursuit of peace, based upon justice and international co-operation, which according to the Statute of the Council of Europe is vital for the preservation of human society and civilisation.
7. The European Union reiterates its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. We call on all countries not to recognise the two self-proclaimed separatist entities and not to facilitate or in any way assist them.