United Nations Human Rights Council

High Commissioner’s presentation of his thematic report on the human rights situation in Ukraine

8 January 2025

EU Statement

Over the past three months alone, Russia continued its offensive operations in Ukraine, underscoring once again the need for Ukraine to exercise its legitimate right to self-defense, as enshrined in the UN Charter, to safeguard its sovereignty and independence.

The European Union demands that Russia immediately ceases its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression, including its relentless airstrikes against Ukrainian civilians and civilian objects, notably energy infrastructure critical to the survival of the civilian population in the harsh winter conditions. In attacks on civilian infrastructure, the Russian armed forces continued to employ the “double-tap” tactic, brutally killing first responders, including ICRC staff, as they arrived to save lives. This method of war is both morally despicable and a violation of international law.

We are gravely alarmed by reports of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian armed forces. The latest report by the Commission of Inquiry finds that Russian authorities have committed crimes against humanity of torture due to their coordinated state policy of systematic and widespread use of torture across Russian detention facilities. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the use of torture, ill-treatment and killing of PoWs and civilian detainees. We condemn the extreme impact of the war on Ukrainian children, including the deportation of children and the intensified efforts to compel Ukrainian children in the occupied territories to become Russian citizens. We urgently call on Russia to fully abide by its obligations under international law and to withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine. Those responsible for violations of international law must be held accountable.

We reiterate our unwavering support to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Thank you.