We denounce Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, namely of article 2(4) of the UN Charter and customary international law, demand its immediate end and reiterate that war can never be a solution.
We call on the parties involved to reach an immediate cease fire agreement as the most urgent task is to stop any further loss of lives and destruction of homes and infrastructure.
We call on the Council of Europe and PACE, to work for de-escalation allowing a return to the path of diplomacy and negotiations, in respect of international law and the Charter of the UN.
The UEL expresses solidarity with the Ukrainian people and its support for the families of the victims and refugees. It welcomes the response of people in the neighbouring countries in support of the people fleeing the war and notes that this must be offered in an indiscriminate manner.
We also support the peace movement in Russia and Europe.
Militarisation can only lead to further escalation with unforeseen consequences on all peoples living on the European continent and beyond. Hence, we call on all European countries to learn from past bitter experience and not fall in the trap of a new arms race. All resources should be directed to the development of quality human live for all and not to causing tensions and conflicts.
The Council of Europe and PACE should promote a new, inclusive and indivisible European security architecture, in line with the principles of the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, the Charter of Paris of 1990 and the Istanbul document of 1999, stressing support to the ban of nuclear arms and disarmament, for the sake of the peoples of Europe and the world, for the sake of our planet.