The European Union has called on Russia to release all Ukrainian civilians it is illegally detaining and to provide a full list and location of all Ukrainians in detention. This follows from the EU statement released during a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna.


The statement emphasizes that the EU demands that Russia fulfill its international obligations, in particular, to immediately release all illegally detained Ukrainian civilians and provide a full list of names and locations of all Ukrainians in custody.


The EU also calls for the immediate release of three members of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, who are also illegally detained by Russia. Human rights violations, including the detention of Ukrainian prisoners, are unacceptable.


In addition, the EU draws attention to the problem of missing Ukrainian citizens, which is an integral part of the conflict. It is noted that this problem concerns not only adults, but also thousands of Ukrainian children who have gone missing after forced displacement or deportation by Russia.


The EU emphasizes that Russia must fulfill its international obligations, including the registration and reestablishment of contact with the families of missing persons.


The EU statement says that Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for their actions under international law, including waging war against Ukraine and violating human rights.


The EU is determined to ensure full accountability for all crimes committed by Russia, including the rights of victims to a fair trial and reparations.