The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Leendert Verbeek, made today the following statement :
“I am outraged and unequivocally condemn Russia’s airstrikes on Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia and other multiple Ukrainian cities all across the country that have reportedly targeted specifically civilians, residential areas and civilian infrastructure.
This act of aggression is a further step of unacceptable escalation of violence in Russia’s unprovoked and senseless war against Ukraine.
I deplore the loss of lives, including children, and the high number of injured. Our deepest sympathies are with the families of the victims and those who have survived. We will not waver in our solidarity and firm support to the Ukrainian people and cities in this critical moment.
I join other Council of Europe leaders in calling upon the Russian Federation to cease the deadly attacks immediately and unconditionally and stop the deliberate targeting of the civilians and the indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas in breach of international humanitarian and human rights law. Those responsible for the attacks must be held accountable. »
