15:44 24.03.2022

NATO leaders urge Putin to end war, assuring those responsible for war crimes to be punished – summit statement

2 min read
NATO leaders urge Putin to end war, assuring those responsible for war crimes to be punished – summit statement

The leaders of states and governments of NATO member states called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to immediately end the war against Ukraine, assuring that those responsible for committing war crimes would be brought to justice.

This is discussed in the statement of the extraordinary summit, which took place in Brussels on Thursday. "We condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. We call on President Putin to immediately stop this war and withdraw military forces from Ukraine, and call on Belarus to end its complicity, in line with the Aggression Against Ukraine Resolution adopted at the UN General Assembly of 2 March 2022," the NATO member states leaders said in the statement.

The allies insist that Russia must abide by the decision of the International Court of Justice and cease hostilities immediately. "Russia's attack on Ukraine threatens global security. Its assault on international norms makes the world less safe. President Putin's escalatory rhetoric is irresponsible and destabilizing," the allies said in the statement.

They also said they strongly "condemn Russia's devastating attacks on civilians, including women, children, and persons in vulnerable situations." "We will work with the rest of the international community to hold accountable those responsible for violations of humanitarian and international law, including war crimes," according to the statement.

The leaders also "are deeply concerned about the increased risk of sexual violence and human trafficking."

"We urge Russia to allow rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access and safe passage for civilians, and to allow for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Mariupol and other besieged cities. We also condemn attacks against civilian infrastructure, including those endangering nuclear power plants," the allies said in the statement.

In addition, the leaders will continue to "counter Russia's lies about its attack on Ukraine and expose fabricated narratives or manufactured 'false flag' operations to prepare the ground for further escalation, including against the civilian population of Ukraine."

"Any use by Russia of a chemical or biological weapon would be unacceptable and result in severe consequences," the allies said.

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