President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the Netherlands’ decision to host the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine ‘historic’. According to the Kyiv Post, Zelensky said after a phone call with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten on Friday that the move will make it possible to hold Russia’s top political and military leadership accountable for the crime of aggression – not just its consequences.
The tribunal is meant to close a gap in international law: while the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutes individual war crimes, the new body focuses on the overarching decision to start an illegal war. A coalition of 36 states and the European Union supports the initiative.
Zelensky also informed Jetten about the aftermath of the latest large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv. Rescue operations following the overnight shelling on Thursday have been completed; 30 people were killed. ‘It is important that Ukraine’s friends are ready to take steps to protect lives – air defense remains one of the key areas of our cooperation with the Netherlands,’ Zelensky said.
The two leaders agreed on a schedule for upcoming bilateral meetings and reaffirmed continued cooperation. Zelensky thanked the Dutch government for its solidarity and readiness to further support Ukraine’s defense and security.
The Netherlands is one of Ukraine’s most important European partners. It provides military aid, supports international accountability efforts, and participates in initiatives to strengthen Ukrainian air defense. Just last month, the Norwegian parliament unanimously ratified the country’s accession to the tribunal and the International Claims Commission for Ukraine.
Source: www.kyivpost.com
