On Friday 23 February 2024, the Council of Europe marked the second anniversary of the beginning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. As a gesture of solidarity, the Council of Europe building was lit up in Ukrainian colours. At the extraordinary meeting of the Committee of Ministers' Deputies, Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić expressed her solidarity and respect for the Ukrainian people and reaffirmed the Council of Europe's commitment to the goal of a free Ukraine. The Chair of the Committee of Ministers, Minister Dominique Hasler of Liechtenstein, recalled the assistance provided to Ukraine by the Council of Europe. This includes commitments to establish a Register of Damage which will gather evidence and information on claims for damage, loss or injury caused to all affected persons and to the State of Ukraine, the Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023-2026, worth 50 million euros, and the Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine who are residing in Council of Europe Member States.

Slovenia advocated for the safe return of all illegally deported and forcibly relocated Ukrainian children and their reunification with their families. In the context of ensuring accountability for war crimes, it recalled the adoption of the Ljubljana-Hague Convention.

On this occasion, an artwork entitled Guernica: Ukraine by the French artist Jean-Pierre Raynaud, a reinterpretation of the Pablo Picasso piece, was also presented in the foyer of the Council of Europe.