UK Foreign Secretary in Chișinău: Crimes against Ukraine cannot go unpunished

Those responsible for the crimes of aggression committed against Ukraine must be held accountable, declared UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in Chișinău at the opening of the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

The official underlined that the states participating in the meeting are discussing the steps needed to create a special tribunal to investigate crimes of aggression against Ukraine and to ensure accountability for those involved.

“Those responsible for crimes of aggression against the Ukrainian people must be held accountable,” stated Yvette Cooper, reiterating the United Kingdom’s support for strengthening international justice mechanisms.

In her speech, the minister also referred to the security situation in the region, mentioning the Republic of Moldova as a state exposed to external pressure and interference in the context of the war in Ukraine.

“The Council of Europe is meeting here, in Moldova, where we have seen threats to democracy from Russian interference and, of course, so much support for Ukrainian families who have crossed the border, at a time when we have seen ongoing horrific attacks on the Ukrainian people,” the British official said.

Yvette Cooper noted that the event in Chișinău brings together 46 member states of the Council of Europe, where reforms are also being discussed regarding the implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), so that states can respond more effectively to current challenges, including illegal migration, while respecting international standards.

“For us, this is an example of how the partnerships we build abroad make us stronger at home,” Yvette Cooper added, referring to cooperation among European states.

The Republic of Moldova is today hosting the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, an event attended by delegations from several European states.