**President Zelensky to Attend Council of Europe Parliamentary Session**
In a significant move, President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the summer plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), scheduled for June 23-27 in Strasbourg, France. According to the draft agenda, Zelensky will address the assembly on June 26, although his attendance has not yet been confirmed.
The PACE summer session is expected to focus on several key issues, including women’s rights in Europe and the war in Gaza. The session will also discuss legal and human rights issues related to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, with a corresponding resolution listed on the agenda. This comes as no surprise, given the Council of Europe’s strong stance against Russian aggression.
**A Focus on Accountability**
In recent years, PACE has issued several resolutions regarding Russia, calling for accountability and recognition of Putin’s illegitimate status. Most recently, the assembly adopted a resolution addressing the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, stressing the urgent need to ensure accountability and avoid impunity for serious breaches of international law.
**Zelensky’s Busy Schedule**
Ahead of the PACE session, President Zelensky will also attend next week’s NATO summit in The Hague on June 24. He is expected to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. This high-level engagement underscores Ukraine’s efforts to secure international support and cooperation in the face of Russian aggression.
**The Council of Europe: A Champion for Democratic Values**
As the parliamentary arm of the Council of Europe, PACE plays a crucial role in promoting democratic values and human rights across 46 countries, including Ukraine. Russia’s expulsion from the body in early 2022 was a direct response to its invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the organization’s commitment to upholding international law and principles.
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