The text, adopted by 446 votes in favour, 63 against with 52 abstentions, highlights in particular Russian systematic 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 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.
Accountability must extend to all those able to direct or enable crimes
Parliament states accountability must extend to all those in a position to direct or enable the crime of aggression, including senior political, military and judicial actors, such as members of the Russian State Duma or the country’s Constitutional Court. 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. Parliament further underlines the need for effective coordination of all accountability mechanisms to avoid duplication, ensure efficiency, and minimise negative impacts on victims and witnesses.
EU sanctions against Russia must be expanded
The resolution approves of the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia and says restrictive measures should not be lifted before a peace agreement is negotiated and implemented comprehensively. Calling for the EU to crack down on sanctions circumvention, MEPs also ask the European Commission and EU member states for the strict application of EU sanctions against Russia, which should be expanded to cover all individuals and entities whose decisions have enabled or contributed to the commission of serious crimes against Ukrainians.
Parliament approves the International Claims Commission for Ukraine
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.
Discussion about this post