New York/The Hague/Kyiv
It was 05:30am on 24 February 2022, when the Russian Federation declared the launch of its full-scale invasion against Ukraine. This grim date marks the beginning of a war that began a decade ago, since the Russian forces occupied Ukrainian Crimea in February 2014. The illegal aggression during the past two years have left a deep stain on the international community and lead to profound and lasting repercussions in Ukraine, as well as on global peace.
The toll of this war, as of February 2024, has resulted in over 10,378 civilian deaths and 19,632 civilian injuries, with 3.7 million internally displaced and 6.4 million refugees globally, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and the International Organization for Migration. The atrocities and extensive damages also include environmental devastation, notably the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam on 6 June 2023, which led to unprecedented levels of pollution and destruction of ecosystems whose consequences may be irreparable for decades.
The war in Ukraine is a human and environmental catastrophe. On this important date and while the aggression continues, PGA recalls that full accountability for crimes committed since 2014 is imperative for justice to prevail. Every individual responsible for atrocities must be held accountable. This conviction lies at the heart of PGA’s Campaign on the Rome Statute, and is the reason that over the years, PGA has stood alongside its Ukrainian members, advocating for accountability through the stages of the urgent ratification of the amended Rome Statute and its implementation at the domestic level.
On the tenth anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked aggression and second anniversary of full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues its heroic fight for independence, freedom, and sovereignty, striving to uphold the international order and defend the democratic values. Our nation constantly works to maintain unity, strengthen international support, and ensure all means necessary for our victory. However, lasting, and just peace is impossible without accountability, and we must guarantee that those responsible for atrocities face justice.
Dr. Galyna Mykhailiuk
MP (Ukraine)
Yet, Ukraine cannot do this alone, and welcomes the increasing efforts of partners worldwide to support its cause. In this regard, the ongoing investigations made by the International Criminal Court stand as a critical step towards establishing the truth and fighting impunity. I strongly believe that together we can punish the perpetrators, and, thus, sincerely ask all contributing States to continue their invaluable military and financial assistance. Let justice prevail, as we send a powerful signal to other potential aggressors in the world that war is inevitably punished. Dr. Galyna Mykhailiuk, MP (Ukraine), Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Parliament of Ukraine, Chairwoman of the PGA Ukraine National Group<
At the same time, the crackdown on Russian opposition figures, exemplified by the shocking death of Alexei Navalny, highlights the systematic repression and silencing of men and women who courageously positioned themselves in favor of peace, in defending freedoms, and fighting to safeguard democracy. PGA joins the international community’s condemnation of this political assassination and urges an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Alexei Navalny’s death.
PGA also expresses its deep concern for the fate of other political figures in opposition, most notably Vladimir Kara-Murza, a tireless critic of the Russian Federation’s repressive regime. Since September 2023, he has endured complete isolation in deteriorating conditions, following a harsh sentence in April 2023 to 25 years in a high-security penal colony – the strictest level within the Russian Federation’s penitentiary regime. His unwavering courage and determination constitute an inexhaustible source of inspiration for our own commitment for a more just world. PGA’s profound solidarity remains with him, his wife, Mrs. Evgenia Kara-Murza, and his children, and we reiterate our condemnation of the politically motivated conviction based on fabricated charges.
Accountability for Ukraine is not solely significant for Ukrainians; it is also crucial in challenging Vladimir Putin’s regime. The international community must persist in supporting political opponents and all actors within civil society organizations who strive to confront the regime, risking their lives. They are all driven by a single goal: a democratic Russian Federation. Mrs. Evgenia Kara-Murza, Advocacy Director of the Free Russia Foundation
Mrs. Evgenia Kara-Murza
The international community and parliamentarians from all over the world must stand united against such repression. PGA urges stakeholders to cease hostilities and to work towards a rules-based international order, fostering a world that is more equitable, safe, sustainable, and democratic. Each of us holds a role in achieving this objective, and PGA remains committed in working with its members from all over the world to live up to our shared commitment.
