First of all, the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić for her leadership in supporting Ukraine. “Your last visit to Ukraine was not only a symbol of support for Ukrainians, but also confirmed the important role of Ukraine on the agenda of the Council of Europe, especially in these difficult times,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk.
At the same time, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that the opening of the satellite office of the Register of Damages in Kyiv has strengthened joint efforts to document and overcome the consequences of aggression. “This is an important step towards ensuring justice and accountability. The official launch of submitting applications to the Register of Damages was equally important,” Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasised.
During the meeting, the parties discussed further steps to create a comprehensive compensation mechanism, including the establishment of a Compensation Commission to review applications and a Compensation Fund. The Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine noted that the fund of such a mechanism should be replenished from the frozen sovereign assets of the russian federation.
In addition, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to the Council of Europe for its active participation in the work of the coalition to establish the special tribunal. He stressed that he counted on further personal leadership and the role of the Council of Europe in developing the architecture of the future legal framework of the special tribunal.
The parties also discussed efforts to return illegally deported Ukrainian children. “Further practical implementation of the PACE Recommendation “On the situation of children in Ukraine” on the appointment of a Special Rapporteur of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the situation and return of Ukrainian children deported and forcibly displaced by russia and belarus is important,” said Ruslan Stefanchuk.
In conclusion, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine thanked for the attention and assistance in ensuring the interests of young Ukrainian citizens who are fleeing the war in russia and are staying in the territory of the Council of Europe member states: “You have opened not only your doors, but also your hearts to Ukrainians.”