On 27 January, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted the resolution “Supporting Commitment to a Comprehensive, Just and Lasting Peace for Ukraine and the Security of the European Continent.”

In the document, PACE condemns the indoctrination, militarisation, and Russification of Ukrainian children in the temporarily occupied territories, including Crimea. The Assembly explicitly states that the forcible deportation of the civilian population, in particular Ukrainian children, constitutes a crime against humanity. The resolution also emphasises that Russia’s deportations and assimilation policies are aimed at the unlawful alteration of the demographic composition of Ukraine’s occupied territories. A separate focus is placed on the systematic destruction of Ukrainian cultural identity in the temporarily occupied territories.

PACE calls for strengthening accountability mechanisms for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other violations of international law related to these actions. The Assembly also urges the establishment of individual criminal responsibility for those involved in deportations, torture, and unlawful detention.

The resolution further stresses the need to protect all categories of captives—both prisoners of war and civilian hostages—in accordance with international humanitarian law. Humanitarian issues, including prisoner exchanges, the release of unlawfully detained civilians, and the return of deported children and displaced persons, must be an integral part of any negotiations and agreements. PACE also reaffirms its support for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and an international compensation mechanism to ensure reparations for the damage caused.

The resolution calls on Council of Europe member states and their allies, including the United States, to unite their efforts in response to the threats posed by Russia to European and global security, and to strengthen political, economic, and military support for Ukraine. It also underlines the necessity of an immediate and full ceasefire as a prerequisite for genuine negotiations and for preventing the resumption of Russia’s aggression.