Ukraine’s Future Discussed at PACE

In a crucial meeting held on July 23, 2025, Ihor Zhovkva, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, engaged in discussions with Piero Fassino, an Italian deputy and member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The dialogue centered around the ongoing political ramifications of Russian aggression against Ukraine, with a focus on establishing accountability and fostering peace.

Zhovkva expressed gratitude to Fassino for his staunch support for Ukraine within PACE and among Italian lawmakers. The meeting provided an opportunity for Zhovkva to update Fassino on the security situation in Ukraine, highlighting the severe impact of Russian attacks on civilians. Emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace, Zhovkva discussed collaborative efforts with American and European partners to expedite this process.

The discussions also touched upon the creation of a Special Tribunal dedicated to addressing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Zhovkva acknowledged PACE’s consistent support for this initiative and highlighted ongoing efforts to finalize an expanded partial agreement. The goal is to have the tribunal operational by the end of the year, allowing states to join the agreement and begin its practical implementation.

Piero Fassino reiterated PACE’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s priorities, which include enhancing military assistance, implementing stricter sanctions against Russia, and ensuring accountability for the crimes committed. Both parties underscored the importance of keeping Ukraine at the forefront of PACE’s agenda to maintain international focus on the issue.