Members of the newly established platform of Russian democratic forces in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) issued their first joint statement, placing the responsibility for the war against Ukraine on Russia. The authors of the document described modern Russia as “fascist” and urged the international community to support Ukraine, as well as to ensure Moscow is held accountable for aggression and potential war crimes.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Main Demands of the Statement: Support for Ukraine and Use of Frozen Assets
The statement from the Russian opposition emphasizes the need for military and other assistance to Ukraine, as well as the use of frozen Russian assets for the restoration and support of the Ukrainian state. They endorsed initiatives from states, international organizations, volunteer groups, and citizens aimed at countering Russian aggression.
“Supporting the security and defense capabilities of Ukraine, including military support, is an integral part of resisting Russian aggression,” the document states. “We support initiatives from states and intergovernmental organizations, volunteer groups, and individuals aimed at countering Russian aggression.”
The signatories stressed that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is defined by its internationally recognized borders. They highlighted the urgent need for the immediate return of civilian hostages and illegally deported children to Ukraine, as well as the release of individuals imprisoned in Russia for opposing the invasion. Additionally, the document supports the activities of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, established by the Council of Europe, as well as the International Criminal Court.
Structure of the Platform and Reaction from Opposition Forces
The statement was signed by 14 out of 15 members of the platform, including representatives of the Russian opposition living abroad, as well as five representatives of indigenous peoples of Russia. The only missing signature is that of Lyubov Sobol, a former employee of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). Among those involved in drafting the document were Andrei Volna and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, who noted that she initiated the approval of the statement.
The text does not propose specific measures for military support to Ukraine from Council of Europe member states or Russian citizens, aside from the call to use frozen assets. It is also emphasized that the document does not contain assessments regarding ongoing peace negotiations mediated by the United States.
The platform for dialogue with Russian democratic forces in PACE was established at the end of January 2026, with the decision to launch it made back in October 2025. It consists of 15 members, ten of whom are opposition figures currently living outside Russia. One of the conditions for participation is the signing of the “Berlin Declaration” of 2023, which the leaders of FBK did not sign. FBK members criticized the principles of the platform’s creation, particularly pointing out the lack of transparency in decision-making and the irrelevance of the PACE format for opposition activities.