Iceland's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Committee of Ministers Tordis Kolbrun Reykfjörður Gilfadóttir, President of the Parliamentary Assembly Tini Cox, Secretary General Maria Pejčinovych-Burych, Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovych, as well as President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe Lindert Verbeek made the following statement:
"A year ago, the Russian Federation carried out an unjustified and unprovoked military attack on Ukraine, grossly violating international law, in particular the Charter of the Council of Europe. As the war of aggression enters its second year, we strongly condemn Russia's aggression and reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine and its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.
"We condemn the decision of the Russian Federation to ignore the numerous calls to stop hostilities and withdraw its troops, but rather to strengthen them by mobilizing and deploying additional forces, as well as the illegal annexation of occupied territories in Ukraine. At the same time, Russian officials have repeatedly resorted to bellicose rhetoric, and attacks on critical and civilian infrastructure have been deliberate and indiscriminate.
"Once again, we call on the Russian Federation to immediately stop the aggression and withdraw the occupying forces from the territory of Ukraine. We remain determined to support our member state, Ukraine, its government, and we stand in solidarity with the brave people of Ukraine.
"The senseless, brutal aggression took countless human lives and caused enormous human suffering in Ukraine - this is the result of inhuman cruelty and destruction not seen on European soil since World War II. Serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights were committed. We reiterate the need to ensure accountability for all crimes, including the crime of aggression. Without justice, there can be no lasting peace.
"We also express our regret and condemnation regarding the reported illegal forced deportations and relocation of Ukrainian citizens, including children, to Russia and in the territories temporarily occupied by Russia. The Russian Federation must stop these illegal actions and all Ukrainians, especially children, must be allowed to return safely.
“The Council of Europe supports Ukraine in ensuring accountability and sustainability and is ready to play its role in coordinating with other international mechanisms to create an effective and comprehensive system of accountability and reparations that will prevent impunity and protect the rights of victims.
"Although Russia's aggression against Ukraine has caused serious damage to multilateral relations, we firmly believe that it is multilateral international cooperation that remains crucial for ensuring peace, security and prosperity. Therefore, we call on our member states preparing for the upcoming Fourth Summit of Heads of State and Government, which will be held in Reykjavík on May 16 and 17, to demonstrate unity and continue to take decisive and collective action in support of Ukraine.
"We call for the restoration of peace based on international law, responsibility, justice and respect for human rights."