Kremlin's impunity will lead to new wars. Any step aimed at freeing Russia from accountability for its crimes would be a historic mistake and would inevitably trigger new conflicts, EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath warns, per Politico.
Ukraine has registered over 190,000 war crimes since the start of Russia’s full-scale war in 2022, including the Bucha massacre. The prosecutors believe the scale of these crimes shows a campaign to wipe out the Ukrainian nation.
The shadow of amnesty that could undermine global order
Attempts to grant Russia amnesty or remove responsibility for crimes committed against Ukrainian children and civilians undermine the system of international justice on which global security depends.
The initial US peace proposal reportedly included a promise of full amnesty for actions committed during the war, alongside plans for Russia’s reintegration into the global economy.
The Trump team’s push to rehabilitate the Kremlin leader comes despite international condemnation of Russia for alleged crimes, including the abduction of 20,000 Ukrainian children and attacks on civilians.
“Were we to do so, to allow for impunity for those crimes, we would be sowing the seeds of the next round of aggression and the next invasion. And I believe that that would be a historic mistake of huge proportions," EU Justice Commissioner stressed.
ICC warrant for Putin remains, but Trump has different priorities
In March 2023, judges of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin, deeming him “allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population [children]” from Ukraine.
But Trump and his team have shown little interest so far in pursuing justice against the Russian leader.
On 30 November, the US and Ukraine held new talks in Florida, discussing key elements of Trump’s proposed peace plan.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel to Moscow today to continue negotiations, this time directly with the Russian side.
