Members of the PSTU and Bureau at the Verkhovna Rada, Kyiv, 12 February 2025COPENHAGEN, 24 February 2025 – On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine, the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, along with members of the Bureau and Parliamentary Support Team for Ukraine, strongly condemned Russia’s gross and unprovoked violation of the international rules-based order and reaffirmed Ukraine’s right to determine its own future.
As reconfirmed on the occasion of last week’s Winter Meeting, the OSCE PA leaders noted that Russia’s acts and widespread breaches of basic principles of international law and international commitments embodied in the Charter of the United Nations and the Helsinki Final Act continue to trigger far-reaching and irreparable consequences, most notably on millions of innocent civilians.
“Three years of Russia’s brutal and illegal war against Ukraine heightened by the winter period and the incessant escalation in attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure are inflicting massive humanitarian and civilian consequences. The OSCE PA continues to stand firmly with Ukraine and with the Helsinki Principles and will continue to call for full accountability and justice of Russia’s acts,” stated President Pia Kauma (Finland).
President Kauma, supported by members of the Bureau and the PSTU, reiterated moreover that diplomatic efforts aimed at alleviating the unbearable burden on the Ukrainian civilian population must not dismiss the atrocities committed or reward Russia’s aggression.
“Any discussions on a ceasefire or lasting peace must be aligned with international law, Ukraine’s interests, and the OSCE’s founding principles. Furthermore, ceasefire negotiations must be conducted with Ukraine at the table with no decisions about Ukraine to be made without Ukraine,” they said.
The OSCE PA leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening international support for Ukraine as well as strengthening Ukraine’s resilience in line with the recent refocusing of the Parliamentary Support Team for Ukraine spearheaded by its three Special Rapporteurs.
As Russia’s illegal invasion and occupation enters its fourth year, the OSCE PA leaders urged continued solidarity and reiterated their commitment to working closely with the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada and international partners to ensure Ukraine’s resilience is strengthened throughout all phases of the conflict cycle, European security is upheld, and accountability and justice are ensured.
“Strengthening Ukraine’s resilience will play a pivotal role in facilitating its recovery while also pre-empting future attacks against territorial integrity, sovereignty and stability in the broader region,” President Kauma concluded. “It must remain a priority.”
For more information on the work of the Parliamentary Support Team for Ukraine, please click here.
