Madrid – On Friday, representatives from over thirty European nations, including EU foreign ministers like Spain’s José Manuel Albares and High Representative Kaja Kallas, visited Ukraine in a symbolic show of support for the establishment of a new special tribunal related to the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the international delegation, emphasizing the importance of accountability by stating, “If a single war ends without punishment, there will be more.”
He argued that it is crucial to hold Russians accountable “just like the Nazis” and welcomed the initiative to create the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, adding that such measures would deter future aggressors.
Zelensky expressed gratitude for the political efforts to establish this tribunal, acknowledging that while “there is still much work to be done, both politically and legally,” it is a “moral duty of Europe” to see the initiative through and create a dedicated court in The Hague.
This court, proposed after two years of discussions involving a Council of Europe-affiliated group, has been one of Zelensky’s core demands since the conflict began. Its implications for Russian President Vladimir Putin remain uncertain, especially while he is in power.
On the same day, Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, confirmed the achievement of the necessary “political backing” for the tribunal but stressed that mere willpower is insufficient. He urged that “justice also needs resources” to ensure the financial feasibility of the forthcoming initiatives.
APPEAL FOR COMMON VALUES
“Today, we celebrate Europe Day with Ukraine and its people,” emphasized EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, who used social media to call for unity in pursuit of “lasting peace.” She remarked from Lviv, “In a family, both joys and sorrows are shared.”
Kallas emphasized that “in a family, both joys and sorrows are shared.”
President Zelensky personally thanked the visiting representatives from countries that, like Ukraine, “believe in International Law.” He stated, “It shows that we are all Europe,” underscoring a collective determination to “increase pressure on Europe” and continue support for Ukrainian military capabilities.
He asserted, “The desire to end the war must grow within Russia, and this begins with the realization that they are losing,” expressing pride in “a Europe that does not kill,” in stark contrast to the invasion led by Vladimir Putin in February 2022.
The Ukrainian government also aims to expedite its EU integration, as highlighted by Foreign Minister Andri Sibiga during a meeting with Kallas, which was also attended by Prime Minister Denis Shmigal.
For Sibiga, this was “a historic meeting at a historic moment” demonstrating Ukraine’s “key role” in upholding shared values. The ministers, including Spain’s José Manuel Albares, visited a cemetery to pay their respects to victims of the Russian invasion. (May 9)
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