The Council of Europe has suspended Russia's membership in the organization. The decision was made in response to the full-scale war that Russia launched against Ukraine on February 24.
This was announced by the People's Deputy of Ukraine Volodymyr Aryev on Facebook.
The procedure for suspension of membership is launched in case of gross violation of the rule of law. The initiators of the procedure were Ukraine and Poland.
"The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, chaired by Italy, has decided to expel the Russian Federation from its membership," said Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Mayo, according to Reuters.
The Council of Europe is an organization of 47 member states. Membership is open to all European states that recognize the rule of law and guarantee fundamental human rights and freedoms to their citizens.