Ukraine expects Netherlands to support creation of special tribunal for Russia’s crimes

"I always give preference to justice. Thus, Ukraine fully supports the idea of ​​establishing a special ad hoc tribunal to consider the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine. I sent letters to dozens of foreign ministers, including Wopke, proposing the idea. I am looking forward to the position of the Netherlands," Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said at a briefing with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Wopke Hoekstra in The Hague on May 17, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

Kuleba expressed hope that the Netherlands would also accept President Zelensky's proposal and join the reconstruction of Ukraine, in particular within the framework of the initiative on patronage over Ukrainian regions.

“This is a big project. It is also a big part of revealing the true partnership and friendship that exists between us,” he said.

In turn, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Wopke Hoekstra noted that the position of the Netherlands is to do what is effective and really helps Ukraine.

“Our main task is to make sure that we help Ukrainians. And we must make sure that we coordinate our actions with our European friends. So let's do everything possible to help the country," he said.

As reported, Kuleba makes a visit to The Hague on May 17-18 to hold meetings with members of the government and parliament to develop the dialogue between the leaders of Ukraine and the Netherlands. The parties will coordinate steps to strengthen the defense capabilities of the Ukrainian state, expand sanctions against Russia, and strengthen the European Union.

During his visit to the Netherlands, Kuleba will also pay special attention to the promotion of Ukraine's lawsuits against Russia in international courts to bring Russia to justice for its crimes against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

Dutch Foreign Minister Hoekstra visited Ukraine on May 10.