On November 7, Mariupol State University organised a roundtable discussion “New opportunities and perspectives for bringing Russian representatives to justice”. The event was organised by Mariupol State University in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine Institute and Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University.

The discussion was attended by ICUV Board Chairwoman Hanna Hopko, who stressed the importance of bringing Russian military and political leaders to justice for the crimes committed against the Ukrainian people.

It is important that political statements, particularly those recognizing Russian aggression as genocide, condemning this genocide, and calling for tougher and more effective actions, are adopted.

Hanna Hopko, co-founder of the International center for Ukrainian victory (ICUV), Chairwoman of the National Interests Advocacy Network (ANTS)

The participants of the roundtable focused on the terrible crimes that Russia commits in Ukraine every day:

• Deportation of Ukrainian children, attempts to destroy Ukrainian identity and forced russification
• Cruel treatment of prisoners of war and civilians, torture, violence, inhumane conditions
• Extensive damages, destroying civilian infrastructure, attacks on peaceful cities

At the event, it was emphasised that the main goal is to document all war crimes committed by Russia and conduct an independent investigation. The experience of Germany after World War II can serve as an example for this approach. After its defeat, the country went through the process of denazification, bringing the criminals to justice and paying reparations to the victims.

Russia, as the aggressor state, must also bear full responsibility for the damage caused to Ukraine. This includes compensation for the destroyed infrastructure, reparations to victims of war crimes, and moral reparations that recognise all crimes against humanity committed against Ukrainian nation. Only through such steps can similar tragedies be prevented from happening again in the future.

Andrii Mikheiev, international lawyer at ICUV, also took part in the panel discussion, focusing on the massive deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. He stressed that the forced relocation of children and forced integration into the Russian society is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and has all the signs of genocide aimed at destroying the Ukrainian identity.

It is necessary to work not only on building political solidarity among states in recognizing Russia’s actions as genocide but also on advancing real proceedings to hold both the organizers and perpetrators of these crimes criminally accountable. Despite general skepticism, it is crucial to emphasize that ‘Putin the war criminal’ and ‘Putin the organizer of genocide’ are distinct roles, and when it comes to genocide, the world can no longer afford to remain inactive.

Andrii Mikheiev, international lawyer at ICUV

The recognition of the genocide of Ukrainians at the international level sends a powerful message to the world that such crimes cannot go unpunished and that the global community stands ready to uphold human values. Participants of the event called on all democratic countries to take decisive action to ensure the genocide of the Ukrainian people is officially recognized internationally, and those responsible are brought to justice.