Britain to provide Ukraine with £4.5 mln to prosecute Russian war criminals

The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine, with the British government announcing £4.5 million in funding to aid Ukraine's pursuit of justice for war crimes committed during Russia's full-scale invasion.

Rubryka reports this, citing the British government.

On December 29, the allocation of £4.5 million (over €5 million) was announced to support investigations into war crimes committed by Russian forces during the invasion.

"While in Kyiv, I saw first-hand the inspirational bravery of the Ukrainian people. I'm immensely proud of the support this government is providing them as they resist Russia's illegal full-scale invasion.

The atrocities we have witnessed in Ukraine are unspeakable — there can be no lasting peace without accountability, and UK support will help Ukraine as it pursues justice for the victims and survivors of these crimes," said UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

He reiterated the UK's steadfast support for Ukraine in its fight for security, both for itself and for Europe as a whole.

The allocated funds will be directed toward:

• Documenting war crimes,
• Investigating perpetrators,
• Prosecuting those responsible.

This assistance will complement the UK's collaboration with the US and EU through the Advisory Group on War Crimes Investigation.

Russia's war crimes

During Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian military has routinely committed war crimes, prompting widespread condemnation from Western countries and promises to hold those responsible accountable.

In November 2022, Europol established a new Operational Task Force (OTF) to aid in the investigation of war crimes in Ukraine.

Additionally, a United Nations investigative commission announced it had uncovered further evidence of Russian military aggression, including war crimes such as rape and the deportation of children to the Russian Federation.

On the morning of September 14, the International Criminal Court opened its office in Kyiv to support the pursuit of justice.

As Rubryka reported, the International Court of Justice is expected to issue its first decisions recognizing violations of international law by the Russian Federation in the case of "Ukraine v. Russia."

To date, during nearly three years of Russia's full-scale invasion, 177 Ukrainian prisoners of war have been confirmed executed, including 109 in 2024 alone.