The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe recently issued a series of decisions demanding that Russian authorities adhere to human rights standards and international law in Crimea. Meetings held from March 4 to 6, 2025, led to a formal request for Russia to reinstate Ukrainian law in the region. Part of the decision involves the immediate release of all Ukrainian political prisoners, illegally detained soldiers, and affected ethnic groups such as Crimean Tatars, alongside assurances for their safe return to Ukraine. The committee emphasized the need for detainees to have access to legal support, medical care, and communication with their families. The decision condemned the use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment by Russian authorities.
The council further urged Russia to collaborate with international organizations overseeing human rights in Crimea. While Russia withdrew from the Council of Europe in 2022, the Committee highlighted that Russia is still obliged to comply with the European Court of Human Rights’ (ECtHR) judgments, as stipulated by Article 58 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This ongoing obligation remains contentious given Russia’s absence from the council.
The measures follow the ECtHR’s 2024 judgment in Ukraine v. Russia (re Crimea), which found multiple violations of the Convention since Russia occupied Crimea in 2014. These include breaches of various articles protecting life, freedom, private life, expression, assembly, and property rights, among others.
Parallel to this, the European Union has bolstered its position through additional defense measures supporting Ukraine, with EU Council President António Costa announcing further steps to address Ukraine’s military and defense requirements. The Council of the EU and the UK have also introduced fresh sanctions packages targeting Russia’s ongoing actions in Ukraine, demonstrating a coordinated international response to the situation. Human rights organizations continue to report on Russia’s alleged war crimes and the treatment of detainees and journalists within its borders (JURIST).