Statement by members of the Governing Council of the Community of Democracies on the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine

February 23, 2024

As the world marks two years since Russia's unprovoked and unjustified full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, Member States of the Governing Council of the Community of Democracies (Canada, Chile, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay), remain fully committed to supporting Ukraine's democracy, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

The impact of Russia's war of aggression and war-related violence on civilians remains serious, including on those who are in the most vulnerable situations. Russian forces have been relentlessly shelling Ukraine's cities and civilian infrastructure, with growing evidence of acts that may amount to war crimes, other atrocities, and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law. The Russian authorities occupying parts of Ukraine continue their campaign of brutal repression against Ukrainian civilians and denial and suppression of Ukrainian identity.

As documented by international bodies, Russian forces have violated the international humanitarian and human rights law against Ukrainian children, involving unlawful transfers within Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine, and deportations to Russia. We call on Russia to commit to a safe and immediate return of all Ukrainian civilians, including the return of children to their families or lawful guardians. Reunification with their families and lawful guardians must be integrated into the ongoing international support to Ukraine.

We, the Member States of the Community of Democracies Governing Council, call for an enhanced and concerted international response to return Ukraine's children, to thoroughly document and ensure accountability for violations and crimes committed against them.

We reiterate our calls upon Russia to immediately withdraw all its troops, military equipment, and personnel from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. We call upon its forces to cease all abuses and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

This milestone serves as a reminder of the courage and resolve of the people of Ukraine. It underscores the importance of a just and durable peace, in full respect of international law, including the UN Charter.

The Community of Democracies unequivocally stands with the people of Ukraine as they defend their democracy and independence, and we stand in support of the principles of Ukraine's Peace Formula.