Ruslan Stefanchuk met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to discuss the return of Ukrainian children and russia's international responsibility
As part of a working visit to Strasbourg, Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met with Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The meeting covered key areas of cooperation between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, including the return of illegally abducted Ukrainian children, the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the government of russia and further implementation of the Council of Europe's Action Plan for Ukraine.
Ruslan Stefanchuk stressed that russia continues to illegally detain and forcibly indoctrinate Ukrainian children. To this end, Ukraine welcomes the appointment of the Special Envoy of Council of Europe Secretary General on the situation of children of Ukraine and expects active cooperation in the process of their return.
Apart from that, the parties discussed the establishment of a Special Tribunal to prosecute the leadership of the russian federation for the crime of aggression. «We expect the constituent documents to be finalised by May this year to ensure an effective mechanism of prosecution», Ruslan Stefanchuk stated.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine thanked the Council of Europe for its support under the Action Plan for Ukraine, which currently includes 37 projects worth €36.8 million, and called on partners for additional mobilisation of financial resources.
Special attention was paid to the activities of the Interinstitutional Working Group on Ukraine. Ruslan Stefanchuk noted its effective work in coordinating support for Ukraine within the Council of Europe and stressed the importance of further proactive approach.
«The Council of Europe remains a reliable partner of Ukraine in restoring justice and increasing international pressure on the aggressor», the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine highlighted.
He also thanked Secretary General Alain Berset for his leadership in strengthening the Council of Europe's mandate to support Ukraine.