PABSEC calls for increased sanctions pressure on russia for the crimes committed during its armed aggression against Ukraine
06 July 2026, 20:01
At its 67th plenary session in Georgia, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) adopted a declaration strongly condemning russian aggression against Ukraine and the consequences of this aggression for cultural heritage, the civilian population and the security of the Black Sea region.
The declaration condemns the russian missile and drone strike on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra as a gross violation of international humanitarian law and as part of russia’s systematic policy to destroy Ukraine’s cultural and religious identity.
The document emphasises that attacks on our country’s cultural heritage and energy infrastructure, as well as the deportation of Ukrainian children, the illegal removal of cultural artefacts and the undermining of international justice, are interlinked elements of a system of international crimes. PABSEC calls for increased sanctions pressure on russia and for measures to prevent the circumvention of international restrictions, and demands that the russian federation cease its aggression, withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory, return the deported children and fulfil its obligations under international law.
The declaration also emphasises that nuclear blackmail cannot be used as a justification for evading responsibility for war crimes, and that attacks on cultural heritage sites under international protection constitute crimes against humanity.
The Ukrainian parliamentary delegation expresses its gratitude to the PABSEC member states for adopting the declaration and for their stance firmly condemning the actions of the russian federation, which reaffirms their commitment to the protection of cultural heritage, international humanitarian law and the principles of the international legal order.
In 2023, the Ukrainian delegation was among those who initiated the decisions leading to the temporary suspension of russia’s participation in PABSEC in light of its full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Today, the Assembly continues to take a principled stance on upholding international law and supporting Ukraine.