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Speech by Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe

Good morning.

There is nothing I can say today that matches what people here have lived through.

Nothing that fills what has been taken.

Nothing that makes this winter easier.

As this war enters its fifth year.

At a time of rupture in the world order.

Where other crises compete for attention.

When peace talks bring no answers yet.

And the strikes continue.

People have every right to feel angry.

And frustrated.

Even towards Europe.

And I am here to tell you that the Council of Europe has not abandoned Ukraine.

The Council of Europe excluded Russia immediately after it launched its full-scale invasion.

Because Russia is trying to deny Ukraine’s independence.

And because force has no place in Europe.

Peace cannot mean surrender.

Peace must mean justice.

And it must include the return of Ukraine’s children, civilians and prisoners of war.

The Council of Europe acted quickly.

With the Register of Damage, to record every loss.

The Claims Commission, to follow.

And the Special Tribunal, so the crime of aggression does not go unpunished.

The Council of Europe cannot stop the missiles.

But we can help ensure that the crimes do not disappear.

That what was done to Ukraine is not erased.

That peace, when it comes, is not built on impunity.

And together, we can rebuild democratic security.

Courts that function.

Institutions people can trust.

A democracy that holds, long after devastation.

Our office in Kyiv, our largest field presence, reflects that long-term commitment.