The outcome of Russia's war in Ukraine will determine the future of the continent – PACE President

Rousoulos spoke at the closing of the PACE spring session in Strasbourg on April 7, as reported by an Ukrinform correspondent.

“It is clear that the outcome of this war will necessarily shape the future of our continent, and from this point of view, this is also our war,” he noted.

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“This is a conflict over the values and principles that are the foundation of our European identity. There should be no illusions: once you become a dictator, you are a dictator forever,” the PACE president added, referring to Russia's Vladimir Putin.

He stressed that European democracy must therefore continue to provide full support to Ukraine in its fight against the brutal and illegal aggression of the Russian Federation and strengthen this support as necessary.

The Assembly “stands firmly and resolutely against those who undermine democracy, the rule of law and human rights,” Rousoulos said.

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The PACE President noted that the principles of democracy “may be deeply rooted in history and quite outdated, but they are not obsolete. And there are many people in our world who are looking to the Era for courage and strength to believe again in principles and values such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The world is watching us, and we seek wise leadership in this era of democratic backsliding,” he concluded.

As reported by Ukrinform, during the spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of the ERA, which began today in Strasbourg, delegates will discuss issues of preventing impunity for Russia, countering foreign interference in the security of the ERA, as well as the problem of Russia's detention of Ukrainian journalists.