Ukrainian Ambassador to Moldova: Those who committed war crimes must be held accountable

Ukraine remains firmly committed to supporting a just peace that respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Ukrainian state. The main pillars of this process are sovereignty, territorial integrity, and holding accountable those who have committed war crimes. The statement was made by the Ukrainian ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Paun Rohovei, in an exclusive interview for MOLDPRES, on the eve of the first Moldova-European Union summit in Chisinau, which will address key topics, including European support in the context of the war in Ukraine.

The Ambassador declared the war initiated by Russia against his country as both a 'genocide' and a 'crime against humanity', accusing the Moscow regime of systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure and attempting to annihilate the Ukrainian people. The diplomat stressed that attacks over the past six months have deliberately aimed at destroying energy and civilian infrastructure, especially housing blocks:


'In fact, it is a genocide. Russia's behavior in this war represents a crime against humanity. We are talking about deportations, the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and everything related to civilian life,' Rohovei declared.


The ambassador also said that Moscow's initial plans to occupy Ukraine in three days have completely failed because 'Putin did not understand that he is not only fighting an army but an entire people who have given a firm response.'

Referring to international initiatives for peace, Rohovei mentioned that Ukraine accepted the United States' proposal for a possible ceasefire, but Russia's attacks intensified, demonstrating a real lack of intent for dialogue:


'Ukraine advocates for a peace, but a just peace. Sovereignty and territorial integrity are the main pillars of this process. It is equally important for those who committed war crimes—the Kremlin regime—to be held accountable in accordance with international law,' the diplomat underlined.


Paun Rohovei warned that the lack of a framework to hold aggressors accountable could pave the way to global chaos, where international law and the rules of peaceful coexistence would be severely undermined.


'If this does not happen, we risk leading the entire world into chaos, where international law and rules of international coexistence will be trampled,' the Ukrainian ambassador further stated.


The Ukrainian diplomat appreciated the support offered by the Republic of Moldova, both politically and humanitarianly:


'Chisinau does absolutely everything to support Ukraine. It is not just a diplomatic role, but a real demonstration of solidarity and partnership.'


The ambassador reiterated that both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova have irrevocably chosen their European path:


'Our place is in Europe. The upcoming summit in the Republic of Moldova is a clear signal of stability and commitment to European values.'


More details on the peace efforts made by the authorities in Kiev, the support offered to Ukrainians fleeing the war, as well as how Ukraine sees the role of the North Atlantic Alliance in maintaining peace and stability in the region, can be found in the interview with Ambassador Paun Rohovei, which will be published on Friday, July 4, on moldpres.md.