The European Parliament debated accountability for Russia's attacks on Ukrainian civilians on 28 April 2026, with broad consensus on the need for justice mechanisms, sanctions, and support for Ukraine, but divergences emerged on military aid, asset confiscation, EU credibility, and peace conditions. Council President Marilena Raouna (Cyprus Presidency) stressed a just peace based on international law, security guarantees, the €90 billion loan, the 20th sanctions package, and child return efforts. Commissioner Andrius Kubilius highlighted rising civilian casualties, work on the Claims Commission and Special Tribunal, and a 11 May Brussels conference on abducted children.
Justice mechanisms widely backed, but military aid divides Most MEPs supported accountability through the Special Tribunal and ICC, with Michael Gahler (EPP), Petras Auštrevičius (Renew), and Tobias Cremer (S&D) backing both bodies. However, Thijs Reuten (S&D) and Sven Mikser (S&D) argued justice required stronger military support, including air defence and deep-strike capabilities — a position that drew implicit opposition from those prioritising diplomatic channels.
full seizure vs. damage register On Russian assets, Rihards Kols (ECR) and Dan Barna (Renew) called for full confiscation of sovereign assets, while others like Michael Gahler (EPP) focused on the Register of Damage. This reflects a cleavage between those seeking immediate financial leverage and those prioritising legal precedent and compensation mechanisms.
Sanctions and EU credibility questioned Sanctions escalation was widely supported, but Danilo Della Valle (The Left) and Hans Neuhoff (ESN) questioned EU double standards over Gaza and US wars, challenging the bloc's moral authority. This critique, though from fringe groups, touches on a broader concern about consistency in EU foreign policy.
partition rejected, negotiations urged On peace conditions, Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left) rejected any partition of Ukraine, while Pierre-Romain Thionnet (PfE) urged EU engagement in negotiations. Villy Søvndal (Greens/EFA) linked accountability to European strategic autonomy, framing justice as a pillar of EU sovereignty.
Outcome and next steps The debate ended with Kubilius and Raouna reaffirming accountability as central to peace. The chair announced six motions for resolution with a vote on Thursday. The divergences — particularly on military aid and asset confiscation — indicate that while unity on principles holds, tactical choices remain contested. Stakeholders most affected include Ukrainian civilians and deported children (direct beneficiaries of justice mechanisms), EU member states (bearing costs of sanctions and military support), and international justice bodies (whose credibility is tied to enforcement).