Moment of silence observed at PACE session for victims of Russia’s war of aggression

This is reported by an Ukrinform correspondent.

“While we are meeting here, in peaceful Strasbourg, Ukrainian soldiers are engaging Russian invasion forces in a term to restore national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia’s political and military leadership continue the terrorist attacks on Ukrainian cities, villages and vital infrastructure. And still refuse to end their illegal criminal invasion of its neighboring country,” President of the PACE Tiny Kox said.

In his words, since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression, millions of Ukrainian citizens, mostly women and children, have had to leave their homes and even a country, seeking shelters in other countries, including the EU member states.

“Today, on International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we mourn the victims of sexual violence in Ukraine, as we mourn all of the victims in this brutal illegal war that should never have started and must end as soon as possible,” Kox noted.

In order to show sympathy for all the victims, as well as unwavering support and solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens, Kox asked the participants to observe a moment of silence.

After that, the President of the PACE announced the agenda. In particular, an urgent debate on the political consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine will take place on Thursday, June 22, 2023.