OSCE Permanent Council No. 1507

Vienna, 6 February 2025

EU Statement on the Russian Federation’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine

1. Russia’s unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine is approaching the beginning of its fourth year, with hundreds of thousands senselessly killed and wounded, millions displaced, and massive destruction across the country.
2. As indicated in the latest ODIHR and OHCHR reports, in recent months, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated due to "an increase in large-scale coordinated attacks on major Ukrainian cities, repeated targeting of civilian infrastructure [..] such as critical energy infrastructure and grain terminals", and "an intensification of hostilities in frontline areas". Particularly worrying is the significant rise in civilian casualties in 2024, with a high number of casualties also reported among emergency workers, medical personnel, humanitarian workers, and volunteers.
3. With its ruthless assault on Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure, Russia is disregarding its obligations under international humanitarian law and its fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
4. Last week was tragically no exception. Russia launched yet another wave of brutal attacks across Ukraine, killing and wounding innocent people in Poltava, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Odesa. We remind Russia that the protection of children in armed conflict, including ensuring their safety and well-being, is mandated by international law. The Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict recognise them as the most vulnerable and innocent victims of violence. We also firmly condemn Russia‘s attack in Odesa which seriously damaged historic builidings, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and injured several people. 
5. We remind Russia that attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects, as well as indiscriminate attacks, are clear violations of international humanitarian law and constitute war crimes.
6. We note with concern the recent surge in reports of Russian executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war, with six unarmed PoWs reportedly executed in January alone. Russia must ensure that PoWs receive the protection and humane treatment to which they are entitled under international humanitarian law and grant the ICRC regular access to all persons deprived of their liberty.
7. This week, the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children marked its first anniversary since its launch in Kyiv last year and we thank Ukraine and Canada for coordinating its important efforts. The EU remains deeply concerned about the fate of all Ukrainian children and other civilians unlawfully deported and transferred to Russia and Belarus.We call on Russia to comply with its international obligations and commitments in this regard.
8. Ensuring accountability for all crimes committed in connection with Russia‘s war of aggression remains paramount for achieving the just and lasting peace that Ukraine deserves. There can be no impunity for any perpetrators and accomplices of Russia’s crimes. The EU remains firmly committed to holding Russia and its leadership fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine and for other crimes under international law, as well as for the massive damage caused by its war.
9. The EU and its Member States are the largest donors of humanitarian and recovery aid, with over EUR 3.6 billion since the start of the war. The EU has been coordinating its largest ever operation under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, delivering more than 150,000 tonnes of in-kind assistance into Ukraine. Additionally, it has deployed assistance from its rescEU stockpiles, including power generators, medical equipment, temporary shelters, and water treatment stations. Humanitarian needs in Ukraine remain immense however. We are committed to working closely with other donors and the Ukrainian authorities to help those affected by Russia‘s war of aggression. 
10. The Commission has thus recently allocated new funding to continue supporting vital humanitarian aid in both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. €140 million will go to providing emergency assistance, including food, shelter, clean water, healthcare, and winter protection in Ukraine, while €8 million are allocated to help Ukrainian refugees and host communities in the Republic of Moldova.
11. We will continue to support Ukraine's resilience and reconstruction in line with its self-determined European future. We firmly believe that the OSCE must also continue its crucial engagement and assistance in Ukraine, particularly through the SPU and ODIHR.
12. We reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, as well as for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the UN Charter and international law and in line with the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula. To be clear: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Regrettably, we have not seen to date any willingness on Russia’s side to work towards a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace. The Kremlin is only repeating its ultimatums and doubling down on its aggression, aiming to subjugate Ukraine and to undermine its statehood and independence.
13. We reaffirm our determination to continue to provide financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed to help Ukraine exercise its inherent right to self-defence. 
14. The EU also remains committed to limiting Russia’s ability to wage its war of aggression. The EU has therefore renewed its restrictive economic measures for a further 6 months, until 31 July 2025.
15. The EU strongly condemns support by third countries, and actors and entities therein, which enable Russia to sustain its war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU urges all countries to immediately cease any direct or indirect assistance to Russia in its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.
16. We urge the aggressor, Russia, to immediately stop its illegal war, and to completely and unconditionally withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.