The International Center for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (ICPA) today launched its activities in The Hague, hosted by the European Union’s Criminal Justice Cooperation Agency (Eurojust).

The newly established Center will be key to investigating the crime of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and facilitating the building of cases for future trials. It will provide a structure for the supporting and enhancing ongoing and future investigations into the crime of assault and will contribute to the sharing and analysis of evidence gathered since the start of the Russian offensive.

The President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen noted that “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to bring unspeakable horrors every day. Deeply disturbing news of deliberate attacks on civilians, including children, has become a stark daily reminder of the bloodshed that Putin has brought back to our continent. Evidence is being gathered of countless international crimes committed by Russia. The new international prosecution center will play a key role in ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice, including the crime of assault. We will leave no stone unturned to hold Putin and his cronies accountable».

The Centre, established with the support of the Commission, consists of selected national prosecutors who already participate in the Joint Investigation Team, with which the Center is linked in its activities. Participating experts will be able to collaborate daily, quickly exchange information and agree on a common strategy.

Eurojust will provide operational, legal, financial and logistical support, including the preservation, storage and analysis of evidence. This work is necessary to prepare for future trials, before either national or international tribunals, including a possible tribunal for the crime of aggression or the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes within its jurisdiction.