European Parliament demands justice and accountability for civilian victims in Ukraine

The European Parliament has condemned the repeated brutal and deliberate Russian strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine in the strongest terms. 

The text, adopted on 30 April by 446 votes in favour, 63 against with 52 abstentions, highlights in particular systematic Russian attacks on Ukrainian residential areas, energy facilities, hospitals and other essential services, with MEPs calling for Russia to end these strikes.

Parliament says Russia’s war of aggression constitutes a blatant violation of international law and that the leaders of Russia and its allies must be held accountable for their roles in the crime of aggression, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other international crimes.

MEPs also express their full support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed in Ukraine, while recalling the obligation on EU member states under the Rome Statute to arrest and surrender individuals subject to ICC arrest warrants on their territory.

MEPs voice their firm support for the establishment and rapid operationalisation of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine and encourage all EU member states to join. They also commend the work by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, Eurojust and civil society organisations in investigating alleged violations and human rights abuses, supporting accountability, and collecting evidence.

On Thursday, Parliament also backed the establishment of the proposed International Claims Commission for Ukraine with 465 votes in favour, 57 against and 47 abstentions, with a view to enabling compensation for civilian victims during the war. With Parliament having given its consent, EU member states in the Council can now adopt the decision to conclude the convention on behalf of the EU.

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Press release