On Tuesday, September 24, at the UN headquarters, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, participated in a ministerial-level meeting of the Group of Friends on Holding Russia Accountable.
"Justice is a part of victory, and impunity is the greatest encouragement for crimes. We have no moral right to allow Russian criminals to remain unpunished after killing thousands of innocent Ukrainians," he stated.
The Foreign Minister reminded the audience of the numerous crimes committed by Russian occupiers on Ukrainian soil since 2014: the killing of civilians, destruction of critical infrastructure, deportation of children, sexual crimes, torture, and other atrocities.
He pointed out that during the full-scale aggression, Russia has already killed over 600 and injured more than 1,500 children.
"It is essential for Ukraine, for every Ukrainian, and for the entire world, that Russia, its political and military leadership, and armed forces be held accountable for all crimes committed against Ukraine," he stated.
The Foreign Minister praised the efforts and leadership of the International Criminal Court in investigating war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
He also noted that Ukraine had recently ratified the Rome Statute, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to strengthening international justice.
Andrii Sybiha placed particular emphasis on the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
"We must hold accountable the leadership of the aggressor state, the so-called 'troika (three)' — the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister of Russia. If we fail to hold them responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, it will open Pandora’s box for wars of conquest worldwide," the Minister stressed.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that while war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide primarily affect civilians, Russia had no right to kill Ukrainian soldiers either. The only way to ensure justice for the families of Ukrainian military personnel is to punish the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Andrii Sybiha reminded the audience that there are several instruments available to achieve justice for this crime, first and foremost, the creation of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
"Significant work has been done in this direction since 2022, but the process is complex. We insist that the 'troika' must not have immunity from prosecution because they are truly guilty. The important work on creating the special tribunal will continue," the Minister stated.
He added that another possible instrument could be the initiation of amendments to the Rome Statute, which would provide a clear definition of the crime of aggression and allow the International Criminal Court to gain jurisdiction to prosecute it.
"Without justice, there will be no victory. This is one of the key elements of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula. I urge all of you to join efforts in its practical implementation," the Minister emphasized.
