Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia join international team investigating alleged war crimes in Ukraine

An international inquiry team exploring potential war crimes in Ukraine gains three new members.

During a two-day coordination meeting in The Hague, Estonia, Latvia, and Slovakia agreed to join Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine in the Joint Investigation Team, which will help organize the exchange of atrocity evidence.

Prosecutor Karim Khan of the International Criminal Court (ICC) said the collaboration demonstrates the international community’s commitment to the rule of law.

“I think it shows that there is this common front of legality that is absolutely essential, not just for Ukraine, but for the continuation of peace and security all over the world,” he said.

Mr. Khan also stated that he intends to create an office in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.

The announcements come as requests continue to be made for individuals responsible for atrocities committed since Russia’s invasion to be brought to justice.

Russian soldiers are accused of killing people in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, as well as repeatedly attacking civilian infrastructure in the besieged city of Mariupol, including hospitals and a theatre that was being used as a shelter by hundreds of residents.

On Tuesday, a Ukrainian court found two Russian soldiers guilty of war crimes and sentenced them to 11 and a half years in prison for shelling civilian buildings.

Russia vehemently claims that its forces are to blame for crimes.