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EU announces new tribunal to prosecute Russia's aggression

05.03.2023 11:00
The EU chief has announced agreement to create a body responsible for probing Russia's aggression against Ukraine," Polish Radio news agency IAR has reported.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (on screen) speaking to the international conference United for Justice in Lviv, Ukraine.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (on screen) speaking to the international conference "United for Justice" in Lviv, Ukraine.Photo: PAP/ Ivan Mazepa

In a video message posted on Saturday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled plans to create an International Centre for the Prosecution of Crimes of Aggression against Ukraine.

“Russia's invasion has brought unspeakable suffering to Ukraine,” von der Leyen said as quoted by the European Commision website.

“Almost one year ago the world discovered the horrors of Bucha. I  was there myself and I have witnessed the atrocities committed by Russian forces," she added.

The EU chief went on to say that Russia and its president Vladimir Putin must be held accountable for these horrific crimes as Europe must do everything in its power to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We also believe that there needs to be a dedicated tribunal to prosecute Russia's crime of aggression," she argued.

Von der Leyen spoke to an international "United for Justice" conference in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.

Speaking at the event on Friday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that " Vladimir Putin and all his accomplices must receive lawful and fair sentences," adding that "over 70,000 Russian war crimes" have been registered in Ukraine.

The "United for Justice" conference runs until Sunday, according to the EU.

(mo)

Source: IAR, ec.europa.eu