The Assembly of Delegates of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions/German Section (CEMR) most strongly condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In contradiction to international law as well as human rights under the UN Charter, Russia has violated Ukraine's sovereignty, bringing death and devastation. By inflicting unspeakable suffering on the people in Ukraine, Russia has triggered the largest movement of refugees in Europe since World War II. The war of aggression, which cannot be justified by any means, brings with it the destruction of civilian infrastructure as well as tens of thousands of homes. The civilian population is targeted with a brutality that can hardly be surpassed, and territories are conquered with a "right of the (allegedly) strongest". Mayors have been kidnapped and are to be forced to cooperate with the Russian army.

We demand the immediate end of the war, the withdrawal of all Russian troops and their allies, the full restoration of Ukraine's complete territorial sovereignty, and the payment of reparations to Ukraine for the damages caused by the war. The kidnapped mayors must be released immediately.

It is the responsibility of the cities, counties and districts to provide the many displaced persons with good accommodation, care, assistance and support after their escape as a self-evident humanitarian obligation for the cities, districts and municipalities. Together with many voluntary helpers, we are doing everything we can to facilitate the initial arrival of displaced persons, including providing care for children, and to enable them to take up employment and acquire German language skills. 

The great willingness to help in terms of aid deliveries, donations and the reception of refugees from Ukraine fills us with gratitude to all supporters. At the same time, local authorities need financial and logistical help from the federal and state governments to meet these challenges.