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MINISTERS’ DEPUTIES |
Decisions |
CM/Del/Dec(2025)1520/2.3 |
24 February 2025 |
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1520th meeting, 24 and 26 February 2025
2.3 Consequences of the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine
Reference document |
Decisions
Having met on 24 February 2025 in the context of three years of the ongoing full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine,
Recalling that at their 4th Summit held in Reykjavík on 16 and 17 May 2023, the Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe expressed their determination to remain united in the face of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and their unreserved support for Ukraine and its people,
Referring to their previous decisions concerning the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, in particular those condemning in the strongest possible terms the full-scale war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, as well as those affirming their unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders,
Determined to continue their efforts to ensure that the Russian Federation is held fully accountable for its aggression against Ukraine,
The Deputies
1. welcomed the Secretary General's report “Three years of Russia’s war of aggression – Council of Europe Action in support of Ukraine”, and looked forward to the next annual report of the Secretary General on the human rights situation in the territories of Ukraine temporarily controlled or occupied by the Russian Federation;
2. welcomed the recent appointment of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General on the situation of children of Ukraine;
3. condemned the ongoing practice of forced deportation, illegal adoption and changing the self-identity of Ukrainian children exercised by Russian authorities, and called for the immediate and unconditional return of all deported or forcibly transferred Ukrainian children to Ukraine;
4. expressed their grave concern regarding the situation of Ukrainian civilians held captive by the Russian Federation;
5. recalled that international humanitarian law prohibits the capture and holding of civilians as hostages;
6. urged the authorities of the Russian Federation to treat Ukrainian civilians held captive in accordance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law;
7. committed to continuing efforts to secure the release of Ukrainian civilians held captive by the Russian Federation and urged for their immediate and unconditional release;
8. condemn the systematic targeting of vital civilian infrastructure and the deliberate destruction of Ukraine's cultural heritage;
9. committed to hold those responsible for crimes and violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law accountable for their acts;
10. agreed to revert to this issue and to the specific measures to be taken to help Ukraine counter the aggression of the Russian Federation in the context of the preparation of the 134th Session of the Committee of Ministers (Luxembourg, 13-14 May 2025).