As the Russian military advances, it does not stop at civilian facilities.
(Photo: dpa)
Brussels The European Union is likely to follow the US government’s assessment that Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine. The latest draft of the final declaration for the EU summit on Thursday and Friday in Brussels states: “Russia carries out attacks on the civilian population and targets civilian objects, including hospitals, medical facilities, schools and shelters. These war crimes must stop immediately.” In a previous draft, the word “crime” was mentioned.
On Wednesday, the US government officially accused Russian troops in Ukraine of war crimes for the first time. US President Joe Biden will be a guest at the EU summit on Thursday.
In the draft, which is available to the Handelsblatt, the 27 EU states call on Russia to immediately end the attack on Ukraine, to withdraw all forces and equipment and to protect the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine in its international recognized boundaries.
Civilians trapped in the war zone must be able to exit safely, all hostages released immediately, and unhindered humanitarian access allowed. Russia must meet its obligations under international law.
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According to the draft, the EU pledges to continue to provide coordinated political, financial, material and humanitarian support to Ukraine. They are also prepared to quickly decide on further sanctions. Any attempt to circumvent the sanctions that have already been decided or to help Russia in any other way must be stopped.
More: How Putin could be convicted of war crimes