02/10/2024 | 17:46:12 Dear colleagues, I would like to begin this speech with a real and a very personal story. This story is about a young marine, Yurii, who had been in Russian captivity for more than two years and was returned to Ukraine during the latest prisoners of war exchange. While in captivity, Yurii lost his ability to speak and to feel emotions — Russian torture had brought him to this point. Upon returning to Ukraine, receiving proper medical treatment and undergoing rehabilitation, he eventually... 30/09/2024 | 12:18:32 Honoured guest, distinguished colleagues, friends of freedom. Václav HAVEL was a man who understood the true essence of resistance. He once wrote, "You do not become a dissident just because you decide one day to take up the most unusual career. You are thrown into it by your personal sense of responsibility, combined with a complex set of external circumstances." HAVEL's life, and the lives of those honoured with this prize, teach us that resisting oppression is never a matter of choice, but... 27/06/2024 | 17:59:52 Thank you. Dear colleagues, we deem the discussion on the critical issue of the explosive remnants of war as critical for the future of the country. It is evident that our country is suffering really the most extensive impact of vast parts of our territory, and we will have to be creative to liberate our lands not only from Russians but also from remnants of war left by them. Indeed these weapons have devastating effects on civilians causing immediate casualties and long-term trauma. They... 27/06/2024 | 12:50:42 Dear colleagues, In the Resolution we adopted in January this year, we decided that the best interests of the child, of the child deprived of parental care, who was deported to Russia is to come back to Ukraine, is to be returned to Ukraine, so this Amendment just reiterates the decision we already took in January this year. And we have an agreement with the rapporteur. I would like to add the wording "the reference to the Convention on the Rights of the Child" to my Amendment so that it will... 27/06/2024 | 12:29:49 Can I start? Sorry? Dear colleagues, I would like to thank the rapporteur for this comprehensive report, substantially covering the issues of internally and externally displaced people of Ukraine, but also focusing on deported children, on prisoners of war, and civilian hostages. This report is truly historic and very timely since the aggressive war rages on making more and more Ukrainians leave their dear homes and cities, seeking safety either in other regions of Ukraine or abroad, in your... 26/06/2024 | 11:05:11 Fellow colleagues, Today in this hemicycle we have a comprehensive and historic debate covering issues of critical importance for Ukrainians. I commend the tremendous work done by the rapporteurs, Ms Yevheniia KRAVCHUK, Ms Yelyzaveta YASKO, and Mr Davor Ivo STIER, to focus on terrible Russian war crimes and the erasure of our national identity, as well as the importance of responsibility for them and justice for the people of Ukraine. One of the greatest atrocities committed in this war is... 25/06/2024 | 12:37:31 Dear Mister Landsbergis, thank you for your genuine commitment to the Ukrainian cause, notably to the issue of Ukrainian children. I'm Olena KHOMENKO, a rapporteur on the situation of the children of Ukraine. My question is the following. Having in mind the activities of the Council of Europe Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine and the respective Council of Europe focal point that you have mentioned, and recognising the need for a co-ordinating approach, how do you envision the... 19/04/2024 | 10:49:04 Hello colleagues, Today we are united by a common goal to ensure the digital realm is a safe space for our children, not a dangerous one. It's essential that our efforts to educate and raise awareness about online safety continue to evolve, especially in schools where the foundation of digital literacy is laid. Education is the cornerstone of prevention. We must implement comprehensive programmes that actively engage children, parents, and educators in understanding and navigating the... 18/04/2024 | 11:34:25 Honourable members, today we stand at a pivotal moment not only for Europe, but for the world at large. It is with a sense of urgency and a heavy heart that I address the environmental crisis we face. A crisis that demands immediate decisive action. Firstly, it is imperative that within our European continent we recognise a formal autonomous right to a healthy environment. This right transcends individual liberties, safeguarding not just the present, but ensuring the sanctity of our world for... 17/04/2024 | 17:07:43 Fellow colleagues, First and foremost I wish to commend the commitment and the approach taken by the rapporteurs. Their priority set a clear path forward focusing on the tangible steps needed to address and counteract the Russian totalitarian regime. I also want to express the words of support to Ms Yevgenia KARA-MURZA for bravely continuing to advocate for this cause her husband is committed to. However, it is critical to speak directly about the role of the Russian anti-war movement. While...