Kyiv, March 31 (NationPress) The European Union's (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, along with Foreign Ministers from EU member states—excluding Hungary—convened in Bucha, Ukraine, on Tuesday to honor the victims of the heinous "mass atrocities" that occurred during Russia's temporary occupation of Kyiv's regions in 2022.

The nations reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring complete accountability for war crimes and other substantial offenses linked to Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.

They emphasized the need for full accountability of the Russian Federation for any breaches of international law in relation to Ukraine, particularly acts of aggression that contravene the United Nations Charter.

This collective statement was endorsed by the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, alongside representatives from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine.

The statement remarked: "We pay tribute to the memory of all victims of the Bucha massacre and other locations across Ukraine, where civilians faced mass killings, torture, sexual violence, forced deportations, and other severe violations of humanitarian and human rights laws."

"Evidence gathered after the retreat of Russian troops underscores the urgency for ensuring comprehensive accountability. We reaffirm our resolve to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes and other grave offenses linked to Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine," it continued.

The EU member states welcomed the recent advancements within the Council of Europe, supported by the European Union, aimed at operationalizing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, as well as the formation of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine.

They expressed their backing for the International Criminal Court's investigations into the situation in Ukraine and urged full cooperation from all State Parties.

Kallas reiterated the EU's commitment to ensuring that crimes committed in Ukraine are met with justice. She insisted on holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine.

"Bucha has become a symbol of the brutal nature of Russia’s war. Many civilians were executed at close range, with some found with their hands bound. Four years post these atrocious events, we remember the victims. The reality of what transpired here cannot be dismissed. The EU is dedicated to ensuring that these crimes do not go unpunished, including support for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression and the Claims Commission. Russia must be held accountable for its actions against Ukraine," Kallas stated via X.