The end of March 2022 was a turning point in the Russian-Ukrainian war, when the enemy abandoned attempts to enter Kyiv and began to retreat from its suburbs under pressure from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It was also a shock to the scale of Russian crimes, because after the liberation of Bucha, Irpin, and Gostomel, the world saw streets littered with the bodies of civilians killed by the Russian occupiers.

Representatives of the European Union were among the first to arrive at the scene of the Russian crimes. Four years after the de-occupation, they continue to raise the issue of the responsibility of the invaders. Ukrinform spoke about this with Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who arrived in Bucha for the anniversary of the liberation of the Kyiv region together with a delegation of ministers of the European Union member states.

RATIFICATION OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE SPECIAL TRIBUNAL IN THE EU WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO INVITE OTHER COUNTRIES TO JOIN

          – Your visit to Ukraine is dedicated to preparing the Special Tribunal. What is the realistic timeframe for its establishment? Do you think all member states will finalise ratification of the agreement and contribute findings?

          – Yes, we definitely need all the member states to ratify and move forward. This is the basis for inviting other countries to join the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression.

          It is important to send a message of accountability that not only the soldiers who are committing the war crimes on the soil, but also those who are actually sending the soldiers to the war, because, without the crime of aggression, there would not be any war crimes either. That is why it is so important that we set up this Special Tribunal, which is able to hold the leadership accountable.

          – Sanctions are also an instrument to influence Putin's war. Is the proposal of total ban for Russian oil is still on the table given the spike of prices because of the Iranian war?

          – Of course, this has complicated things because there is a scarcity of oil around the world. That is why there are some member states who are hesitant also because it is their prices are rising. But I think we need to move on. We are talking about the full maritime services ban for the shadow fleet. This definitely would have an effect because I think 45% of the total oil production of Russia goes via the Baltic Sea.

MANY COUNTRIES SUPPORT A BAN ON RUSSIAN COMBATANTS ENTERING THE EU

          – Minister Sybiha is advocating for an entry ban for Russians who fought against Ukraine, and for the members of their families. What is your view on this matter? When will the EU support this?

          – It has been a proposal by the member states to ban the Russian combatants from entering Europe. This is under discussion. There are many member states that support this because we have to think about the day after. These combatants will be so dangerous on our streets afterwards.

          It also sends a clear signal that your actions have results if you fight here against Ukraine. If you come to fight for Russia then it has consequences for you later on.

THE EU IS CONSTANTLY PREPARING FOR THREATS FROM RUSSIA

          – Madam High Representative, you are a strong supporter of a bigger involvement of the EU in the negotiating process. How do you think you manage to achieve that, given the strong Russian opposition?

          – Russia is strongly opposing peace right now. We see they are saying one thing but actually actively bombing Ukraine and not agreeing to any ceasefire, whereas Ukraine has agreed to an unconditional ceasefire already a year ago. So, we have to put them in a situation where they change their calculus and move from pretending to negotiate to actually coming down and negotiating to end this war.

          Unfortunately, we are not there yet.

          –  May I question your home country – Estonia? Russia is constantly threatening the Baltic States. Recently, they have been trying to come up with the so-called Narva people's republic. They jam Ukrainian drones, forcing them to attack Estonia. Are you prepared to confront new Russian threats?

          – We are constantly preparing for different threats that come from Russia. It is clearly a long-term threat. It does not go away even if the war stops here.

Ivan Kosiakin, Kyiv

Photos: Volodymyr Tarasov / Ukrinform