AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said on Thursday in The Hague that Russian President Vladimir Putin must be tried for the war in Ukraine, before a special tribunal to try Russia’s aggression asked for its creation.
“We will set up another court to show that these people are not untouchable,” Zelensky said at a press conference. “We need justice.”
The International Criminal Court, a permanent war crimes court based in The Hague, announced in March that arrest warrant For President Putin for the alleged deportation of children from Ukraine, which constitutes a war crime.
However, the ICC does not have jurisdiction over crimes of aggression in Ukraine. An act of aggression is defined by the United Nations as “an invasion or attack by the armed forces of one country, or military occupation, of the territory of another country”.
The European Commission says it supports the creation of a separate international center for prosecution, among other things crime of aggression In Ukraine it will be set up in The Hague.
In a speech the same day, Mr Zelensky referred to Mr Putin, saying: “We all want to see another Vladimir here in The Hague. Here in The Hague, the capital of international law, his criminal activity.” He deserves sanctions against him,” he said.
[1/6] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy delivered a speech titled “No Justice, No Peace in Ukraine” in The Hague, Netherlands, May 4, 2023. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool
“I’m sure it will happen when we win and we will win,” he said.
Major legal and practical questions remain about how the new tribunal to adjudicate aggression will be legitimized, either by the group of countries that support it or with the approval of the United Nations General Assembly.
Russia is not a member of the ICC and has already rejected its jurisdiction. It has denied committing atrocities during the conflict with Ukraine, calling it a “special operation” to “demilitarize” its neighbor.
Leaving the ICC after a visit of less than an hour, Zelensky, dressed in his trademark khakis, waved to a Ukrainian family standing outside the ICC building, calling out “Slava Ukraine,” or “Glory to Ukraine,” he shouted.
The Netherlands is a strong supporter of Ukraine, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in February that NATO would not rule out any kind of military support for Kiev unless it led to conflict with Russia.
After promising “unwavering support” and saying there was “no taboo” in sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Rutte said discussions were ongoing with other countries on the issue. We are not there yet,” he added.
Russia is Enhanced attack Ukraine is preparing a counteroffensive to recapture Russian occupied territories to the south and east. At least 23 civilians were killed Wednesday by Russian shelling in the front-line southern region of Kherson.
Reported by Bart Meijer.Edited by Andrew Havens
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