Another night of hell for the residents of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with Russia continuing to target civilians.
I strongly endorse the call of @andrii_sybiha to the governments of the world to send Ukraine not the words of compassion but meaningful help to defend itself.
The only reason for Russia’s overnight horrific attack against Ukraine with 656 drones and 73 missiles that killed at least 12, including children, and injured hundreds of civilians is that Putin is a war criminal and loser who has no cards except terror.
Moscow is losing on the battlefield. No number of missiles can change this.
What we can change is Russia’s ability to continue terror. I urge partners to act, not only condemn. There are concrete steps that can be taken.
First. Use the unblocked European Peace Fund to fund the PURL program and buy additional “Patriot” systems and missiles for Ukraine. Advance the anti-ballistic coalition. Increase investment in Ukraine’s long-range capabilities.
Second. Ramp up pressure on Russia through new sanctions, travel bans for combatants, the full use of frozen assets, and isolation.
Third. Take long overdue strategic steps such as opening EU negotiation clusters for Ukraine.
Terrorists in Moscow must realise that their brutal attacks won’t bring them anywhere. That the price for their regime will only increase. That the only way out for Putin is to immediately end this war.
Peace efforts will only succeed when they are backed with real pressure on Moscow.
that the Kremlin is not seeking peace, but pursuing further escalation. Europe must remain united and resolute in defending security, sovereignty, and international order. 2/2
I strongly condemn Russia’s drone strike in Galați — a reckless violation of Romanian airspace and international law. With Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in its fifth year, this attack once again demonstrates 1/2
Tonight, the Russians struck Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities and communities. The largest number of missiles was directed at the capital – at ordinary residential buildings, at schools; they burned down a food market, one of Kyiv’s oldest markets. The Russian strike effectively destroyed the Chornobyl Museum, damaged the National Art Museum and the building housing the office of Germany’s ARD. As of now, 69 people have been reported injured in the capital. Tragically, two people were killed in this senseless Russian attack. My condolences to everyone who has lost family members and loved ones.
I have already spoken with the President of France and the Prime Minister of Norway. There will be further communication with our partners today. I am grateful to everyone who is not staying silent about what Russia is doing. They are waging war solely against our people – against our memory, our history, and everything that makes up normal human life. It is important that Russia understands that they will be held accountable for all these crimes.
One of the worst nights in Kyiv since the Russian invasion with residential buildings and shopping malls targeted by the Russian missiles.
I see this as a sign of desperation by Putin which only strengthens our resolve to ensure that war must be stopped and justice must be done!
Today at the opening of the Russian Anti‑War Committee, I reaffirmed PACE’s commitment to work with Russia’s democratic and anti‑war voices—keeping space for freedom alive and preparing for a peaceful, democratic future.
#PACE#CouncilOfEurope
Today, a vision of our Assembly first expressed in April 2022 became a concrete reality. The Committee of Ministers adopted the resolution establishing a Special Tribunal to fight against impunity for the crime of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine 1/3
with 36 member states already expressing their intention to join this historic initiative.
On this important occasion, I reaffirmed to the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, @sybiha.andrii, our unwavering support for and solidarity with Ukraine 2/3
Met with @PACE_President Petra Bayr on the margins of the 135th Session of the Committee of Ministers in Chișinău.
Grateful for PACE’s unwavering support for Ukraine, including its strong advocacy for the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and the international compensation mechanism.
Discussed further parliamentary efforts to ensure accountability for Russia, return of deported Ukrainian children, and sustained political support for Ukraine across Europe.
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and the rule of law—at the heart of the Council of Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly. Today, we reaffirm: “Never again” is not just a slogan, it is our daily commitment. 3/3 #mauthausen#neveragain#concentrationcamp#liberation#PACE
Today in Mauthausen, I joined survivors, families, and colleagues from across the globe to mark the 81st anniversary of the camp’s liberation from Nazi-terror and to honour all who suffered and resisted. As an Austrian, remembrance carries a special responsibility. 1/3
Acknowledging our history compels us to stand firmly against antisemitism and all forms of hatred; and to protect the rights and safety of every person. The defeat of Nazism opened the path to Europe’s greatest peace project—grounded in human rights, democracy, 2/3
Thank you, @yulia_navalnaya, for an engaging and inspiring discussion on how Europe can support Russia’s future transformation into a free, democratic, peaceful and accountable country—one that respects the rights of its citizens and poses no threat to its neighbours. 1/2
I strongly endorse the call for an unconditional ceasefire made by @ZelenskyyUa. I urge the Russian authorities to respond positively and hope they will not waste this unique chance to end their meaningless war that already took too many innocent lives.
As of today, there has been no official appeal to Ukraine regarding the modality of a cessation of hostilities that is being claimed on Russian social media. We believe that human life is far more valuable than any anniversary “celebration”. In this regard, we are announcing a ceasefire regime starting at 00:00 on the night of May 5–6. In the time left until that moment, it is realistic to ensure that silence takes effect. We will act reciprocally starting from that moment. It is time for Russian leaders to take real steps to end their war, especially since Russia’s Defense Ministry believes it cannot hold a parade in Moscow without Ukraine’s goodwill.
✍️ In a joint Op-Ed published yesterday, @PACE_President@BayrPetra and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President @perejoanpons argue that there can be no lasting peace without the basic norms of human rights and international law:
https://t.co/7CO6KJCBPp