Accountability for the crimes committed by the aggressor is essential to achieving peace, as Russia is violating every possible law of war.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said this during a European Parliament debate on the urgent need for EU support for Ukraine in the face of escalating Russian military aggression.
“Even wars have laws, and Putin’s regime is breaking all of them — absolutely all of them,” she said.
In this context, Kallas said she was actively mobilising support for both the International Claims Commission and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
“We must ensure that they begin their work as soon as possible,” the High Representative said, adding that the EU also supports efforts to return deported Ukrainian children and secure the release of all detained civilians, many of whom are subjected to systematic torture.
“Accountability is key to a lasting peace when the time comes,” Kallas said.
She stressed that wars end when the cost of continuing hostilities — in money, resources and human lives — outweighs any expected gains.
“The answer to Russia’s aggression is simple: we continue to put pressure on Russia and support Ukraine,” she said, recalling that the European Union has adopted 21 packages of sanctions covering 3,000 individuals and entities. The latest package, adopted on July 23, targets Moscow’s financial system, military-industrial complex and energy sector.
“We are now finalising our largest list of sanctions designations to date. Sanctions work, and they become even more effective when adopted together with our international partners,” Kallas stressed.
Turning to EU support for Ukraine, she noted that the bloc’s total assistance since the beginning of the war has exceeded €220 billion.
The EU and its member states have provided more than €78 billion in military assistance, while the Ukraine support loan provides for €90 billion over two years, of which €60 billion is intended for military needs.
“€8.35 billion has already been disbursed, including funding intended for Patriot missiles. Russia’s goal is to continue the war next year. We must continue to support Ukraine,” Kallas said, adding that the most obvious and immediate response from Europe would be to use funding available through the European Peace Facility.
“We could provide another €1 billion in new funding for military support. I am working with member states to allocate these funds,” she explained.
According to Kallas, bilateral support is also important and must be strengthened, including by partner countries.
“Putin does not care much about the lives of his own people, but we can constrain Russia’s finances and resources that fuel the war. If Putin does not come to the negotiating table voluntarily, together we will apply pressure to make him do so,” Kallas said.
