On 23 October, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa met the newly appointed Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, Valentina Falco.

Mariana Betsa congratulated Ms Falco on her appointment and thanked the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine for its consistent support for Ukraine.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the Council of Europe’s leading role in creating practical legal mechanisms to hold the Russian Federation accountable for its aggression against Ukraine. These include the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and an international compensation mechanism for damage caused by Russia.

“Holding Russia accountable is an indispensable element of a just peace for Ukraine. We are grateful to the Council of Europe for its leadership on this issue,” said Mariana Betsa.

Mariana Betsa paid particular attention to Ukrainian children unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred by Russia. She noted the Council of Europe’s active work as a member of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

The two sides also discussed ways to expand the Council of Europe’s practical assistance to Ukrainian institutions and communities. This assistance covers education, rehabilitation and psychological support for Ukrainian children returning from occupation, deportation or forcible transfer.

The Deputy Minister praised the results achieved in 2023–2026 under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction”. She expressed hope that the new Action Plan for 2027–2030, “Democratic Security for Ukraine”, will further strengthen democratic and legal reforms in Ukraine that bring the country closer to membership of the European Union.

During the meeting, Ms Falco expressed confidence that the new Council of Europe Action Plan for 2027–2030 will create even more opportunities to strengthen co-operation between Ukraine and the Council of Europe.