Lithuania has informed the Council of Europe of its intention to join the Special Tribunal on the crime of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, becoming the first state after Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania calls on other countries to follow suit, emphasizing the need for accountability.
A film screening and the donation of books to the Ukrainian shelf in Strasbourg marked the 500th cultural and artistic event of the "Culture vs. War" initiative.
November 18 marks international and national events: Mickey Mouse Day, the Day of Remembrance of the Holy Martyr Roman of Caesarea, European Day for the Protection of Children from Violence and Sexual Exploitation, and Sergeant's Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These days are dedicated to cultural symbols, child protection, historical memory, and Ukrainian military personnel.
Emails confirm Jeffrey Epstein's attempt, a month before Trump's meeting with Putin in 2018, to pass information about Trump to Russia's top diplomat. He also corresponded about the US president's political decisions.
Latvian President Rinkēvičs has returned the law on the country's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention to the Saeima for "deeper discussion. " This decision has caused widespread public outcry, including a petition with over 62,000 signatures against denunciation.
On October 30, the Saeima of Latvia adopted a bill on the country's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. 56 deputies voted for denunciation, 32 against, and two abstained.
PACE is concerned about Georgia's decision to appeal to the Constitutional Court regarding the ban on three democratic opposition parties. Co-rapporteurs intend to conduct a fact-finding mission to Tbilisi by the end of the year.
The Cabinet of Ministers submitted draft law No. 14120 to the Verkhovna Rada, which provides for the exclusion of the Russian and Moldovan languages from the list of those protected by the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Instead, it is proposed to add the Czech language and Hebrew.
Former Minister of Culture Mykola Tochitsky has become Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe. He will promote the return of Ukrainian children and the creation of mechanisms for Russia's accountability for aggression.
The Ministry of Culture plans to expand the range of paid services offered by nature reserves and museums to attract funds for the preservation of monuments. The government will also support projects that promote Ukrainian cultural heritage, particularly through international cooperation with UNESCO and the EU.
According to the decision of the European Court, Russia must pay Georgia over 253 million euros in compensation for human rights violations in two separatist regions after the 2008 war.
The Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine will be launched in three stages. Preparations are currently underway for the conclusion of an expanded partial agreement on the Steering Committee of the Special Tribunal.
The European Union is allocating 10 million euros to the Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This is intended to ensure that those responsible for crimes of aggression are held accountable.
The compensation commission, which will consider damages caused by Russia, will start operating in 2026. It will take into account events from 2014, not just from 2022.
Tetiana Berezhna, acting Minister of Culture, may head the position of Vice Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy. Her candidacy was approved by the "Servant of the People" faction, with a vote expected next plenary week.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reacted to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's statement about his country's unwillingness to be in integration associations with Ukraine. Sybiha noted that the countries are already members of many international organizations and formats.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will discuss new threats from Russia to European democracy this week. Also on the agenda is a draft convention on the establishment of an International Commission for the Settlement of Claims regarding Ukraine.
Russia failed to return to the 36-member council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The European Union actively opposed Russia's return, citing the invasion of Ukraine and violations of international rules.
Olena Zelenska reported that thanks to the joint efforts of Ukraine and its partners, 1625 children abducted by the occupiers have been returned from Russia. According to her, at this rate, it will take 50 years to return all the children.
The establishment of an International Compensation Commission for Ukraine will be a key element of the mechanism for redressing damages caused by Russian aggression.
The memorandum of cooperation will improve institutional capacities for the use of electronic evidence in investigations of war crimes.
Representatives of 60 diplomatic missions visited the damaged building of the Government of Ukraine after the Russian shelling. Diplomats were shown the consequences of the attacks and informed about the work of rescue services.
Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset was hospitalized overnight from Friday to Saturday. His condition is not a cause for concern, but his participation in planned events next week remains uncertain.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that Russia's withdrawal from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture is an admission of crimes and a desire to avoid responsibility. This confirms the reputation of a terrorist state that systematically violates human rights.
The Cabinet of Ministers allocated UAH 4. 6 billion to the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development for the eRecovery program. The funds are intended to finance the purchase or construction of residential real estate and land plots using housing certificates.
Russia plans to withdraw from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, which will remove mechanisms of pressure on the aggressor. This endangers Ukrainian military personnel and civilians held in Russian places of detention.
The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Concord Bank, effectively depriving shareholders of the right to judicial protection in Ukraine. Now, the only way for them to protect their rights is to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.
President Zelenskyy dismissed Borys Tarasyuk from the post of Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the Council of Europe. Mykola Tochitsky, former Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications, has been appointed in his place.
The UK Electoral Commission and the Central Election Commission of Ukraine signed a cooperation agreement. Great Britain will support Ukraine in preparing for future post-war elections.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan will visit Kyiv in the autumn at the invitation of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Romania supports Ukraine in achieving a just peace and its sovereignty.
