Baltic leaders support creation of international tribunal for Russia

This was reported by Ukrinform.

"We will never forget these crimes and will not forgive them... We must do everything to ensure that the perpetrators are punished. This includes the military and political leadership (of Russia - ed.) They must be brought to justice," Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda said.

He reminded that Lithuania supports the ICC investigation, including by participating in the work of operational investigation teams. But this work should have several directions.

"We must all support the establishment of a Special International Tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine," Nausėda added.

Estonian President Alar Karis noted that the ICC has no jurisdiction over Russia. "That is why Estonia supports Ukraine in its work to establish a Special International Tribunal, which will have a broad representation of UN countries... Estonia is looking for ways to make Russia's political and military leaders accountable for the crime of aggression. And it is our duty to find such ways so that they do not hide behind immunity," Karis emphasised.

He invited those interested in the creation of the Special Tribunal to a meeting in Tallinn in May. He called on all countries to join the process of bringing to justice those responsible for crimes in Ukraine.

President of Latvia Egils Levits expressed strong multilateral support for Ukraine, including in bringing those responsible for crimes in Ukraine to justice. "Latvia also calls for the establishment of a Special Tribunal, preferably under UN leadership, to ensure that Russia is held accountable for the crime of aggression," Levits said.

He concluded his speech by stating that Latvia will support Ukraine as long as necessary. Ukraine has to win, and only then will Europe have a sustainable and lasting peace.

• On March 31, the Bucha summit was held on the anniversary of the town's liberation from Russian occupation. Several European leaders came to Kyiv. Others joined online. The summit was attended by representatives of nearly 50 countries and international organisations.