Mykola Tochytskyi Officially Begins His Mandate as Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the Council of Europe

Mykola Tochytskyi has officially taken up his duties as Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. His mission is to continue Ukraine’s systematic work within the Organisation, which has stood firmly by our country from the very first days of the full-scale war.

Today, Mykola Tochytskyi presented to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe the letter of accreditation issued by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. This procedure is a traditional element of interaction between states and international organisations, similar to the presentation of letters of credence that ambassadors deliver to heads of state in their host countries. From this moment, the Permanent Representative officially acquires the authority to take part in the work of the Council of Europe, first and foremost in the meetings of its decision-making body – the Committee of Ministers, which adopts key political and institutional decisions of the Organisation.

During the meeting, the parties discussed cooperation between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, including progress towards ensuring international accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine . They underlined the crucial role of the Council of Europe in advancing this process – through the establishment of the Register of Damage, preparations for the International Claims Commission, as well as further work on the creation of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression. The Secretary General informed about the Organisation’s active engagement in these areas, which was highly appreciated by the Ukrainian side.

The Permanent Representative of Ukraine also welcomed the announcement by High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on the decision to allocate €10 million in support of the establishment of the Special Tribunal. This represents significant backing for the initiatives under the auspices of the Council of Europe, which plays a leading role in building the architecture of accountability for russian aggression.

This is equally important for Ukraine’s diplomatic service, which has clear tasks set by the President of Ukraine: to ensure international support for the struggle for freedom, justice and peace , as well as to advance the reforms necessary for Ukraine’s further path towards EU membership. These priorities will define the work of the Permanent Representation in the period ahead.

“Together with the team of the Permanent Representation, we will consistently implement the President’s tasks, strengthen European solidarity with Ukraine, seek justice for the victims of aggression, and promote the reforms bringing us closer to the EU,” – noted Mykola Tochytskyi.

Ukraine will continue to develop cooperation with the Council of Europe based on our shared values of rule of law, democracy and human rights — the foundation of the European order and our common compass even in times of war.