EU Pushes to Establish Special Tribunal for Punishing Russian War Crimes

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwak Min-jae] The European Union (EU) is pushing to establish a special tribunal to investigate and prosecute war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine. It is also considering ways to use Russian assets frozen under Western sanctions for Ukraine's reconstruction costs.

On the 30th (local time), Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said in a video message posted on Twitter, "Russia must pay the price for its horrific crimes," adding, "We propose the establishment of a special tribunal supported by the United Nations to investigate and prosecute war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine."

President von der Leyen stated, "Russia must financially compensate for the massive destruction it has caused," estimating that "the losses suffered by Ukraine are expected to reach 600 billion euros (approximately 810 trillion won)."

She continued, "We will seek a legal way to utilize the assets seized from Russia as part of the sanctions against Russia for Ukraine's reconstruction."