Council of Europe reaffirms its 'full support' for Ukraine

AFP | France
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The Council of Europe on Monday marked the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming its "full support" for Kyiv and stating that its future is "European".

"Three years later, we pledge our full support", the general secretary of the 46-member council, Alain Berset, said at a ceremony in Strasbourg.

"The Council of Europe stands by Ukraine in seeking redress, in fighting against war crimes and impunity, in reinforcing democracy, in protecting the children of Ukraine, so that Ukraine will continue to exist," Berset said.

Russia was excluded from the Council in March 2022.

"Ukraine's future is European and we are writing this future together, built on our shared values of a free and independent Ukraine, of a fair and lasting peace, and ultimately, a strong Europe, united everywhere in our continent and everywhere in the world", Berset concluded.

"Ukraine fights not only for its survival, but for the future of Europe, for the very principles upon which this Council of Europe stands, human rights, democracy and rule of law," the council's permanent representative from Ukraine, Borys Tarasyuk, said.

"The road ahead remains difficult, but we do not walk it alone. The solidarity of our partners, the unity of democratic nations and the strengths of our shared values will lead us to victory Ukraine will prevail, justice will be served", Tarasyuk added.

Ukraine's national anthem was sung at the ceremony, with members of the public participating, some of them holding the Ukrainian flag.

Deputy ministers held a special meeting after the ceremony to discuss the situation of Ukrainian civilians imprisoned in Russia, with two Ukrainian women sharing their experiences, one of whom said she had been imprisoned for two years, raped and tortured.

On Monday night, the Palace of Europe will be lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.