Petra Bayr

Tonight, the Russians struck Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities and communities. The largest number of missiles was directed at the capital – at ordinary residential buildings, at schools; they burned down a food market, one of Kyiv’s oldest markets. The Russian strike effectively destroyed the Chornobyl Museum, damaged the National Art Museum and the building housing the office of Germany’s ARD. As of now, 69 people have been reported injured in the capital. Tragically, two people were killed in this senseless Russian attack. My condolences to everyone who has lost family members and loved ones. I have already spoken with the President of France and the Prime Minister of Norway. There will be further communication with our partners today. I am grateful to everyone who is not staying silent about what Russia is doing. They are waging war solely against our people – against our memory, our history, and everything that makes up normal human life. It is important that Russia understands that they will be held accountable for all these crimes.

One of the worst nights in Kyiv since the Russian invasion with residential buildings and shopping malls targeted by the Russian missiles. I see this as a sign of desperation by Putin which only strengthens our resolve to ensure that war must be stopped and justice must be done!

Today at the opening of the Russian Anti‑War Committee, I reaffirmed PACE’s commitment to work with Russia’s democratic and anti‑war voices—keeping space for freedom alive and preparing for a peaceful, democratic future. #PACE #CouncilOfEurope

A regime is not a people. Repression is not consent. Authoritarianism is not destiny.

in its fight against Russian aggression, and in its pursuit of a just and lasting peace. 🇪🇺🤝🇺🇦 #PACE #councilofeurope #Ukraine

with 36 member states already expressing their intention to join this historic initiative. On this important occasion, I reaffirmed to the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, @sybiha.andrii, our unwavering support for and solidarity with Ukraine 2/3

Today, a vision of our Assembly first expressed in April 2022 became a concrete reality. The Committee of Ministers adopted the resolution establishing a Special Tribunal to fight against impunity for the crime of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine 1/3

Met with @PACE_President Petra Bayr on the margins of the 135th Session of the Committee of Ministers in Chișinău. Grateful for PACE’s unwavering support for Ukraine, including its strong advocacy for the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and the international compensation mechanism. Discussed further parliamentary efforts to ensure accountability for Russia, return of deported Ukrainian children, and sustained political support for Ukraine across Europe. 🇺🇦🇪🇺

and the rule of law—at the heart of the Council of Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly. Today, we reaffirm: “Never again” is not just a slogan, it is our daily commitment. 3/3 #mauthausen #neveragain #concentrationcamp #liberation #PACE

Acknowledging our history compels us to stand firmly against antisemitism and all forms of hatred; and to protect the rights and safety of every person. The defeat of Nazism opened the path to Europe’s greatest peace project—grounded in human rights, democracy, 2/3

Today in Mauthausen, I joined survivors, families, and colleagues from across the globe to mark the 81st anniversary of the camp’s liberation from Nazi-terror and to honour all who suffered and resisted. As an Austrian, remembrance carries a special responsibility. 1/3

I look forward to strengthening our cooperation. #PACE #councilofeurope #russia #future

Thank you, @yulia_navalnaya, for an engaging and inspiring discussion on how Europe can support Russia’s future transformation into a free, democratic, peaceful and accountable country—one that respects the rights of its citizens and poses no threat to its neighbours. 1/2

I strongly endorse the call for an unconditional ceasefire made by @ZelenskyyUa. I urge the Russian authorities to respond positively and hope they will not waste this unique chance to end their meaningless war that already took too many innocent lives.

✍️ In a joint Op-Ed published yesterday, @PACE_President @BayrPetra and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President @perejoanpons argue that there can be no lasting peace without the basic norms of human rights and international law: brusselstimes.com/opinion/210197…

More deads and wounded in #Ukraine after last night’s drone attack by Russia on Dnipro. Russia will not get away with it. It will be held accountable for this war against lives, values, culture and civilisation.

Welcome, Denis Bećirović to the Council of Europe! Thank you for our constructive discussion, your address to the Assembly, and your steadfast support for our shared European values. 🇪🇺🤝🇧🇦 #bosniaandherzogovina #PACE #CouncilofEurope

the illegal war involving Iran; and the revelations surrounding the criminal Epstein network. Young people, women, and civil society organisations around the world are not only watching — they are counting on us; on Europe. #PACE #CouncilofEurope

In a time of multiplying crises, Europe must step up to uphold the rule of law. In my opening address to the April part‑session of PACE, I highlighted priorities: Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine; the Knesset’s discriminatory move to expand the death penalty;