Restoring justice – that was the tenor of the Ukraine conference in The Hague. More than 50 countries want to ensure that suspected criminals are brought to justice and Russia pays for damages.
Politicians and lawyers from more than 50 countries came together at The Hague World Forum – with the ambitious goal of “restoring justice for Ukraine”, as the international conference was titled.
It’s about defending common values, said Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot in her opening speech. Together with Ukraine and the EU Commission, the Netherlands invited people to the meeting.
“We are here today because we believe together in justice, that crimes cannot go unpunished. Because we believe together that those responsible for such crimes must face the consequences of their actions,” said Bruins Slot.
“Crimes must not go unpunished”
In this context, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba recalled the massacre in Bucha two years ago, in which several hundred civilians were brutally murdered. This crime has become a symbol of Russian atrocities. The whole world looked evil in the eye back then, says Kuleba. These crimes should not go unpunished.
“Ukrainians want justice – now, not in the distant future. They don’t want to hear that justice will happen to them at some point. They want it to happen now – not just on the battlefields, but also in courtrooms and in real decisions,” Kuleba explained.
Arrest warrant issued against Putin
Didier Reynders, the EU Commissioner for Justice, referred to initial progress in international cooperation. With the new “Center for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression” in Ukraine, an authority has begun its work and is currently preparing specific charges.
In addition, the International Criminal Court has already issued four arrest warrants – including against Russian President Vladimir Putin. The fact that the so-called World Criminal Court is cooperating with Ukraine and six EU member states in its investigations is nothing short of historic, said Reynders.
Up to 600,000 war victims could report claims
The Belgian politician was also present when the “Register for Claims from Ukrainian War Victims” was officially opened today. Also a groundbreaking decision for Reynders. “The register is an important step towards a comprehensive compensation mechanism that ensures that the damage caused by Russia is paid in full.”
Ukraine expects up to 600,000 war victims to file claims with the new Hague authority. Ultimately, Russia should pay for the reported damage – including through the use of Russian foreign exchange reserves, which the West froze after the attack on Ukraine. According to experts, the reconstruction of the country will cost several hundred billion euros.
ARD The Hague, tagesschau, April 2nd, 2024 8:34 p.m