The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, insisted on finding the culprits of crimes committed in Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia and then liberated, such as the town of Izyum, on Thursday 22 September in New York, during a speech before the United Nations Security Council.
“As President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said: where there have been crimes, there must be justice, otherwise peace will not be possible. We will do whatever it takes to ensure accountability”, said Mr Borrell. “We owe this not only to the victims – but also to the next generation, to the future of Ukraine. Because fighting impunity today will contribute to a more secure and just future for all”, he added.
The High Representative recalled that the EU supports the International Criminal Court “financially and technically” (see EUROPE 13027/10) and assists the Ukrainian Prosecutor General “by providing training, expertise and equipment, including on collecting evidence”.
On Friday in New York, European Council President Charles Michel cited “imperialism and revanchism” as the “foundations of this war of colonisation” waged against Ukraine by Moscow, which is trampling on international law and raising the nuclear threat. He then added: “The EU does not ask anyone to choose between East and West, North and South. But there is a choice to be made. And the EU’s choice is respect for borders rather than aggression, cooperation rather than threats, and rule-based order rather than might makes right”. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)