On Friday, during an extraordinary public meeting of the Committee of Ministers livestreamed online, the European Union Ambassador Vesna Batistić Kos delivered an EU statement condemning Russia’s war of aggression. In particular, the statement encourages the establishment of a tribunal for the prosecution of the crime of aggression, and a future compensation mechanism. Prior to the meeting, a ceremony was organised in front of the Palace of Europe, where Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić, Parliamentary Assembly President Theodoros Rousopoulos, Liechtensteiner Ambassador Domenik Wanger, and Ukrainian Ambassador Borys Tarasyuk intervened before a minute of silence.

Earlier in the week, Ambassador Tarasyuk expressed Ukraine’s gratitude for the EU’s continuous support during an informal meeting with EU Ambassadors to the Council of Europe. Following a group photo, he thanked Member States for the agreement reached in the European Council, where EU leaders unanimously agreed on a 50 billion euro support package for Ukraine.

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The week was also marked by the death of Alexei Navalny in a Russian prison inside the Arctic Circle. Following a minute of silence in the Committee of Ministers on Wednesday, EU Ambassador Batistić Kos stated the Union’s outrage for the death of the Russian opposition politician, for which the responsibility lies with President Putin.

Beyond this week’s activities, the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe supports a Charity Concert called “Stolen Childhood” given by the Youth Symphony Orchestra Ukraine on Thursday 28 March at Strasbourg’s Palais de la Musique et des Congrès. Organised by Support Action Ukraine, the exceptional musical event is one of the highlights of the 75^th anniversary of the Council of Europe, and a stark reminder of the imperative need to defend the founding principles of the organisation, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Symbolism aside, the primary aim of the concert is to raise funds to help purchase a mobile operating theatre for the Zaporizhzhia region, and to offer psychological support to displaced children affected by the war.