The human cost of Russia’s war on Ukraine
MEPs are set to condemn the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, and the executions and torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war, in a vote on Wednesday.
Wrapping up a previous plenary debate held on 16 June 2025, MEPs are to vote on a resolution calling for the EU to hold Russia accountable for its well-documented violations of international humanitarian law. As well as addressing illegally detained Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, the resolution will also denounce Moscow’s continued bombing of civilians in major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv.
The human rights organisation Amnesty International reports that, while exact numbers are unknown, it is likely that thousands of Ukrainians, both military personnel and civilians, are currently being held captive in Russia and in occupied Ukrainian territories. The majority of Ukrainian prisoners of war are deprived of external communication, with their families receiving little to no information about their fate, status, or whereabouts.
Debate: Monday 16 June
Vote: Wednesday 9 July
Procedure: Council and Commission statements, with resolution