KYIV – Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset discussed the potential opening of a representative office for the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) in Ukraine, a move intended to bolster financial assistance for the country’s social needs amid ongoing conflict. The conversation, reported by Ukrinform, underscores a deepening collaboration between Ukraine and the Council of Europe as Kyiv seeks to rebuild and address the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s invasion.
The discussion, which took place on February 17, 2026, centered on a range of critical issues, including accountability for alleged Russian war crimes and securing compensation for the extensive damage inflicted on Ukrainian infrastructure. Svyrydenko emphasized the importance of progress toward establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and an International Compensation Commission to handle claims submitted through the Register of Damage caused by the conflict, according to a post on her Telegram channel.
The potential CEB office in Ukraine would focus on providing financial support to the most vulnerable communities, particularly in the healthcare and housing sectors, as well as assisting countries hosting Ukrainian refugees. Svyrydenko stated, “We support the initiative to open a Bank office in Ukraine, which will help strengthen our cooperation and launch new projects to address people’s social needs.” This initiative reflects the Council of Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s recovery and resilience.
Addressing War Crimes and Seeking Justice
The conversation between Svyrydenko and Berset wasn’t solely focused on financial aid. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government is actively pursuing the establishment of legal mechanisms to investigate and prosecute alleged war crimes and is seeking international support for these efforts. The Register of Damage, established to document the scale of destruction, is a crucial step in the process of seeking reparations from Russia, though the path to securing compensation remains complex.
Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine
Berset’s visit comes as the Council of Europe prepares a new Action Plan for Ukraine for the period 2027-2030. Svyrydenko expressed her gratitude for Berset’s involvement in developing the plan, which will prioritize projects focused on strengthening justice systems, promoting democratic governance, aligning Ukrainian legislation with European Union standards, and protecting internally displaced persons. This long-term plan signals a sustained commitment from the Council of Europe to support Ukraine’s reform agenda and its path toward closer integration with Europe.
The Issue of Deported Ukrainian Children
A particularly sensitive topic addressed during the meeting was the issue of Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported or forcibly displaced to Russia. Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of forcibly transferring children from occupied territories, a practice that has been condemned by international organizations as a violation of international law. The return of these children remains a top priority for the Ukrainian government, and Svyrydenko and Berset discussed potential avenues for securing their safe return.
Broader Cooperation with the Council of Europe
This meeting builds on previous engagements between Ukrainian officials and the Council of Europe. Earlier this month, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Berset and awarded him the Order of Merit, recognizing his contributions to Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukrinform reported on the meeting, highlighting the strengthening relationship between Ukraine and the Council of Europe.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal also recently met with Berset in Kyiv, where discussions focused on Russia’s alleged war crimes and the mechanisms for seeking compensation for the damage inflicted on Ukraine. This series of high-level meetings underscores the urgency with which Ukraine is pursuing justice and accountability for the devastation caused by the conflict.
The opening of a CEB office in Ukraine, if finalized, would represent a significant step forward in providing much-needed financial assistance to the country. It would also symbolize the continued support of the Council of Europe for Ukraine’s efforts to rebuild and reform in the face of ongoing challenges.
Looking ahead, the Ukrainian government will continue to function with international partners to establish the legal frameworks necessary to prosecute alleged war crimes and secure compensation for the damage caused by the conflict. The Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine, set to launch in 2027, will provide a roadmap for continued cooperation and support in the years to reach.
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