European Union leaders say they are concerned about reports of Russian executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) and say no crime should go unpunished.

“The European Council is extremely concerned about reports of executions by Russian forces of Ukrainian prisoners of war. It underlines that international humanitarian law, including on the treatment of prisoners of war, must be respected at all times. No crime can remain unpunished,” according to the conclusions adopted following the meeting of the European Council, which took place in Brussels on Thursday.

The EU leaders also stated that the European Union remains ready to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war, including by further sanctions and, as called for in April 2024, import tariffs on Russian and Belarusian products. “The European Council reiterates its call for the full and effective enforcement of sanctions and for further measures to counter their circumvention, including through third countries,” the documents reads.

In addition, EU leaders strongly condemned the continued support of third countries for Russia's war of aggression and urged them to stop all assistance. “This includes not only direct military support but also the provision of dual-use goods and sensitive items that sustain Russia’s military industrial base. In coordination with international partners, the European Union has responded swiftly to this threat to European and global security, including with a package of new and significant restrictive measures against Iran, which includes the designation of individuals and entities involved with Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programmes,” the conclusions say.