Today, members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) supported the proposal to draw up a draft Statement to express support to the establishment of an ad hoc international tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation and to punish those responsible.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson underlined that it was the duty of the international community to hold to account those who had planned, prepared, launched and committed the crime of aggression against Ukraine. “The political and military leadership, armed forces, and intelligence and security services of the Russian Federation have committed the gravest international crimes against the people of Ukraine for which they will have to bear full personal responsibility. Therefore, a special international tribunal will have to be established under the auspices of the UN General Assembly, and the establishment and launch of such a tribunal should be made a priority of Estonia’s foreign policy agenda,” he said.

Mihkelson said that members of the Riigikogu from all parliamentary groups wished the draft Statement to be ready and submitted for parliamentary proceedings next week, so that it could be adopted before the end of the Spring Session. A draft statement of the Riigikogu can be submitted by not less than one-fifth (at least 21) of the members of the Riigikogu.

Since the beginning of last year, the Riigikogu has adopted six Statements and one Communication to condemn Russia’s activities and to express support to Ukraine. Most recently, on 17 May, the Riigikogu passed the Statement submitted by 95 members of the Riigikogu in support of Ukraine’s wish to join NATO as the only way to ensure a rules-based world order, lasting peace and the security of the democratic countries of Europe.

Riigikogu Press Service
Karin Kangro
+372 631 6356, +372 520 0323
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