The European Union, in a statement delivered on 3 July 2026 at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia's deliberate targeting of Ukrainian civilians, civilian infrastructure, and cultural and energy infrastructure, as well as the increasing number of executions of prisoners of war and the systematic use of torture, including sexual violence, against civilian detainees. The statement, delivered during an interactive dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, also expressed deep concern over the highest number of civilian casualties recorded in May 2026 since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission.
The EU's intervention builds on its consistent position since Russia launched its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. The statement recalled that the UN Commission of Inquiry's findings over four mandates showed the gravity of violations and crimes has increased over time, including war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russia. The EU also highlighted the Secretary-General's interim report on human rights in Crimea, which documented continuing violations in temporarily occupied territories, including imposition of Russian laws, forced conscriptions, extrajudicial executions, torture, sexual violence, enforced disappearances, and the transfer of protected persons, including children.
The EU reiterated its demand that Russia cease its aggression, withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, and fully respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It also urged Russia to ensure the immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. In a question to the High Commissioner, the EU asked how the Human Rights Council could further contribute to the protection of children in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
The statement was delivered by the EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva, representing the 27 member states. The EU reaffirmed its firm commitment to ensuring accountability for all international crimes committed by Russian armed forces and occupying authorities.