The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomes the adoption by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of the resolution “Journalists Matter: The Need to Step Up Efforts to Release Ukrainian Journalists Held Captive by the Russian Federation.”

The Assembly’s decision is a strong signal of support for Ukrainian journalists who have suffered persecution, unlawful arrests, torture, and even death as a result of Russian aggression. The document clearly underscores that systemic crimes against journalists are an integral part of Russia’s war against truth, freedom of expression, and fundamental human rights.

The MFA of Ukraine highly values PACE’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of all Ukrainian journalists held in Russian prisons and in temporarily occupied territories, as well as its support for international initiatives aimed at holding accountable those responsible for crimes against media representatives. Particularly important are the provisions of the resolution regarding sanctions against individuals involved in these crimes and the proposal to establish international mechanisms for the protection of civilian hostages, including journalists.

Ukraine regards this resolution as a significant contribution to the consolidation of international efforts aimed at securing the release of all civilian hostages, including journalists, and ensuring accountability for Russia’s crimes against freedom of expression.