The EU plans to send investigative teams to Ukraine to investigate alleged Russian war crimes. As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Monday after a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the EU’s judicial authority Eurojust and the law enforcement agency Europol are standing by to provide support.
In this way, the work of an already agreed Joint Investigation Team could be strengthened. This is to collect evidence and solve war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“Don’t Get Away With It”
Von der Leyen was shocked by the atrocities reported from liberated Ukrainian cities like Bucha. “These horrific images must not and will not go unnoticed,” she said. “The perpetrators of these heinous crimes must not go unpunished.”
Selenskyj speaks of “genocide”
Photos of residents of the small town of Bucha, whose bodies lay in the streets after the withdrawal of Russian troops, have caused horror worldwide since the weekend. The Ukrainian side blames Russian soldiers for this. Selenskyj had already talked about “genocide” on Sunday. Moscow, on the other hand, vehemently denies responsibility for the deaths of the people.
“Involve the criminal court in investigations”
With a view to further action, von der Leyen called for a “global response”. According to them, talks are currently underway between Eurojust and the International Criminal Court “to join forces and involve the ICC in the joint investigation team”. Such a coordinated approach by the Ukrainian authorities, the EU, its Member States and agencies and the International Criminal Court will allow the collection, analysis and processing of evidence as comprehensively and legally as possible.
“Support with investigations”
EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders now has to clarify with the Ukrainian Attorney General how an EU investigation team can be sent to Ukraine. “The Commission will provide the necessary technical and financial support for all EU-led investigations,” said von der Leyen.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
