Gathered in Kyiv and Bucha on Tuesday, 31 March, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and representatives from Member States—with the exception of Hungary—adopted, alongside Ukraine, a joint statement marking the third anniversary of the atrocities committed in the Kyiv region in 2022.
In it, the signatories affirm that they have come together to “commemorate the victims of the mass atrocities in Bucha” and “reaffirm [their] unwavering commitment to ensuring full accountability of the Russian Federation for any violations of international law”.
The text also mentions civilians “subjected to mass killings, torture, sexual violence, [and] forced deportations”, reiterating that evidence gathered after Russian forces have been withdrawn requires a comprehensive judicial response.
In addition, the statement confirms European support for the International Criminal Court’s investigations and welcomes the progress made within the Council of Europe so as to create the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression (see EUROPE 13836/3) as well as the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. The States call for “full cooperation by all State Parties”.
“Accountability is an indispensable element of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace”, the text affirms. The war launched by Russia—which entered its fifth year on 24 February—has led the signatories to reaffirm their “firm and unwavering support” for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity “within its internationally recognised borders”.
The statement: https://aeur.eu/f/leq (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)