Europe condemns Russia’s terror against Ukrainian civilians: Council of Europe Congress adopts declaration

In response to intensifying Russian missile and drone attacks, the destruction of critical infrastructure and cultural heritage, civilian deaths and the humanitarian consequences of the war, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe adopted a declaration condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine and reaffirming support for its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders. The declaration was supported by 109 of 111 delegates.

Key points of the declaration:

▪️ Support for frontline communities. Council of Europe member states, the Council of Europe Development Bank and international partners are urged to consider the needs in recovery programmes of communities near the front line and the border with Russia:
— multi-year funding that will reach local and regional authorities;
— funding for protection and the energy resilience of essential services;
— participation of communities themselves in recovery planning;
— direct partnerships with European cities and regions, including through the Cities4Cities platform and cooperation agreements between regions.

▪️ Rehabilitation of children affected by war. Children affected by the war need long-term assistance:
— psychological, social and educational rehabilitation;
— special attention to children of veterans, fallen defenders, missing persons and prisoners;
— local support, with communities and regions playing a key role.

▪️ Russia’s accountability. The declaration supports international mechanisms to hold the aggressor accountable:
— the Register of Damage, whose work communities join by recording destruction, losses and damage;
— the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, whose establishment has already been supported by 36 states and the European Union.

The Congress also welcomed the Carpathian Integration Initiative, launched at the summit in Ukraine on 18–19 September 2026, and called on communities and regions of the Carpathian countries to join it actively. Local authorities should drive cross-border partnerships that will help Ukrainian communities recover.

The Congress also supported a separate EU strategy for the Carpathian region. Such strategies already operate as a practical step towards membership: Ukraine and Moldova participate on equal terms in the EU Danube Strategy even before accession. The European Committee of the Regions identified the need for a Carpathian strategy in 2019, and the Carpathian Integration Initiative has now given the idea new momentum.

Adoption of the declaration strengthens the Congress’s position on Russia’s responsibility for the war and the need for international support for Ukrainian communities, particularly those under constant attack.