Resolution on ensuring accountability and justice in response to Russia’s continued attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine
The European Parliament adopted by 446 votes to 63, with 52 abstentions, a resolution on ensuring accountability and justice in response to Russia’s continued attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, Greens/EFA groups and Members.
Parliament reiterated its condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, including its deliberate strikes on residential areas and civilian and critical infrastructure. It also reiterated its demand that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally cease its attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, withdraw all military forces from Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory, end its forced deportations and illegal adoptions, cease its use of torture and inhumane treatment and release and return all detained, kidnapped and illegally adopted civilians.
The resolution underlined that Russia’s war of aggression constitutes a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, as well as an unprecedented attack on European security. Russia’s leaders and their and their allies must be held accountable for their roles in the crime of aggression, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other international crimes.
Members deplored the fact that international efforts have not yet been sufficient to end Russia’s aggression and in this respect urged the EU, its Member States and its partners to intensify pressure on Russia and massively increase their military support to Ukraine, in particular in the area of air defence and deep strike capabilities, in order to protect Ukraine’s civilian population and critical infrastructure.
Parliament commended the work of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine in investigating alleged violations and abuses of human rights, violations of international humanitarian law and related crimes, and welcomed the extension of its mandate. It also supported the establishment and rapid bringing into operation of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and encouraged all EU Member States to join it.
Parliament also emphasised its full support for the International Criminal Court investigation into allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed in Ukraine and called on the Commission to urgently activate the blocking statute and on the Member States to urgently increase their diplomatic efforts to protect and safeguard the International Criminal Court as an indispensable cornerstone of the international justice system.
Members expressed its support for the EU becoming a full member of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine and called on the Member States to swiftly complete all formal procedures for their accession and thus enable the International Claims Commission to begin its work quickly.
Members also welcomed the adoption of the 20th sanctions package against Russia and insisted that no sanctions should be lifted before a peace agreement is negotiated and sustainably implemented.
Parliament called on the Council and the Commission to ensure that EU sanctions against Russia are strictly maintained and further expanded to cover all individuals and entities whose decisions have enabled or contributed to the commission of war crimes and other serious crimes against the Ukrainian civilian population.
The Russian war of aggression and the targeting of industrial and energy infrastructure have caused severe and long-lasting damage to Ukraine’s environment, including the destruction of ecosystems and the contamination of water and soil. In this regard, the EU and its Member States are called on to support all initiatives documenting the environmental destruction caused by Russia’s war and to back efforts to secure accountability and compensation.
Lastly, Parliament stressed the strategic importance of the Ukraine Facility in reinforcing Ukraine’s resilience, accelerating its recovery and supporting its path toward sustainable development and EU membership. Parliament welcomed the Council’s long-awaited approval of a EUR 90 billion EU loan for Ukraine.