Both Ukrainian prosecutors and the International Criminal Court (ICC) are investigating possible war crimes in Ukraine following Russia’s February 24 invasion, which the Kremlin called a “special military operation” to demilitarize its neighbor. Moscow denies committing war crimes in Ukraine or targeting civilians during a war that has killed thousands, destroyed many cities and forced 5 million people, mostly women and children, to flee abroad. Speaking after a meeting with ICC officials, Trash said a British team would head to Ukraine in May with a particular focus on investigating rape as a possible war crime. “It was done to subjugate women and destroy communities and we want to see it stop. “This is a collection of a wide range of evidence, witness statements, forensic evidence and video evidence,” he said outside the courthouse in The Hague. The team will arrive in neighboring Poland early next month to see how it can help. “We will also use the British secret services to show the relationship between what is happening on the front lines and the Russian authorities, because it is important that everyone in the chain of command is accountable,” he said. “The priority now is to gather the evidence as soon as possible and bring it to justice, as well as to bring the perpetrators to justice, because bringing the perpetrators to justice also has to do with preventing further atrocities taking place in Ukraine, showing to people that if they commit war crimes, if they use rape as a weapon of war, they will be held accountable. “We are looking at all possible ways, including how the crime of aggression can be prosecuted.” Separately, Troy met with her Dutch counterpart, Wopke Hoekstra, to discuss the need for further sanctions on Russia, including the suspension of the Russian fossil fuel market. The two NATO allies have been closely aligned with Ukraine’s policy, with both supporting the supply of heavy weapons for its war effort. Both also support a complete ban on Russian energy exports to Europe, including gas, by the end of 2022. Tras said Britain supported the prosecution of Russian leaders for the war crime of the attack – a thorny issue under international law. The ICC has jurisdiction over war crimes committed on Ukrainian soil, including by Russian soldiers, but can not prosecute the attack, as Russia is not a member of the tribunal. Subscribe to the First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7 p.m. BST Some political and legal experts have called for a separate court to be set up as the fastest way to hold Russian politicians accountable for an illegal war. “We want to see all crimes prosecuted,” Tras said. However, he added: “I am concerned that if we focus on setting up an additional court that will divert resources away from this vital collection of evidence.” Reuters and the Press Association contributed to this report
