Russia leaves the Council of Europe.
Shortly before the threat of expulsion, Russia voluntarily leaves and thus no longer considers itself bound by the Convention on Human Rights.
The attack on Ukraine marks the endpoint of a conflict-ridden relationship.
Moscow accuses NATO and the EU of having turned the Council of Europe into an instrument in the service of “their military-political and economic expansion in the East.”
The Council of Europe’s institutions have been “systematically used to put pressure on Russia and interfere in its internal affairs,” they said.
Despite Russia’s withdrawal, the Committee of Ministers of the other Council of Europe states also showed Russia the door after 26 years of membership.
The Russian flag outside the Council of Europe building in Strasbourg was taken down on Wednesday.
The Council of Europe had already suspended Russia’s membership on Feb. 25, a day after Russia launched a major attack on Ukraine.
