The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, emphasized that the issue of holding Russia accountable for aggression and crimes against Ukraine is non-negotiable in the context of peace talks.
Source: Sybiha in an interview with "European Truth"
Details: The minister responded to a question about Ukraine's possible "red lines" regarding punishment for Russia for the war. He noted that during peace negotiations, there may be attempts to pressure Ukraine into concessions, particularly regarding the establishment of a special tribunal under the auspices of the Council of Europe and the payment of reparations.
"My answer is clear: holding the aggressor accountable is a necessary condition for achieving sustainable and dignified peace in Ukraine. This is a firm position of both Ukraine and our European partners," Sybiha emphasized.
"The absence of accountability for the Russian aggressor, as well as compensation for the damage caused to Ukraine, its citizens, and legal entities, is an integral part of future peace," he added.
Sybiha also reported on the completion of work on the agreement to establish a special tribunal for investigating the crimes of Russian aggression.
"The agreement is nearly ready; it needs to be approved by the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Discussions are ongoing regarding practical aspects – the amount of contributions, the number of countries that need to ratify for the agreement to come into force," he specified.
In addition, work is ongoing to expand the number of participants in the tribunal agreement and to find a location for its operations in the Netherlands.
Among Ukraine's immediate goals, Sybiha mentioned obtaining the first contributions for the operation of the Compensation Commission, which will review applications from those affected by aggression and determine the amount of compensation – "so that this structure does not seem abstract, and the inevitability of punishment is evident."
"I set the task that within a year, the first 25 countries ratify the agreement on the Compensation Commission, and it comes into force," Sybiha noted.
It is worth noting that the Register of Damages from Russian aggression has already received 100 thousand applications.
Read the full text of the interview with Sybiha about peace negotiations, plans regarding NATO and the EU, and the conflict with Orban.
