“On this International Day of Peace, the Congress expresses its deepest wish for an end to the Russian Federation’s brutal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine and for peace to return to Europe”, said Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, in a statement made today, ahead of International Day of Peace (21 September).

“Ukraine’s communities and people deserve to live in the freedom and security from which so many benefit across our continent today.

“But a sustainable peace must also be a just peace based on international law, and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the legitimate aspirations of its people for a democratic and European future.

“Throughout this ongoing war of aggression, Ukraine’s local and regional authorities have shown strength, determination and innovation as they have maintained vital public services and provided the emergency support and care that have been needed by so many. Their resilience will also be central to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukrainian communities, and the country as a whole, whenever this terrible aggression ends.

Let this be the last International Peace Day before a just peace is reached for Ukraine.”