Russian war criminals in Ukraine are facing their first indictments under the International Criminal Court “very shortly”, Rishi Sunak told MPs on Wednesday.
He said he had discussed the legal moves with Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky shortly before Prime Minister’s Questions.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged the PM to work to ensure that once the Ukraine war is over “Putin and all his cronies” must stand before the ICC in in The Hague to face justice.
Mr Sunak responded: “One of the things that I discussed with president Zelensky this morning is our support for the work of the ICC where thanks to the efforts of UK members I’m hopeful that we will see the first indictments very shortly.”
He also stressed: “We must hold those to account for the horrific crimes that they have committed.
“I’m proud that the UK has played again a leadership role in this regard, being one of the first countries to provide financial and technical support, putting investigators on the ground, we are shortly to be hosting a conference together with the Dutch.”
Vladimir Putin’s military chiefs have been accused of indiscriminate shelling of civilians areas, and Russian soldiers of raping women and carrying out executions of captured Ukrainians civilians in the year-long conflict.
Sir Keir, a former director of public prosecutions, and Mr Sunak united at PMQs in a strong show of support for Ukraine.
The Labour leader said: “This House is honoured to be addressed today by President Zelensky. From the outset of the war, he has symbolised the heroism, the resolve, and the bravery of his people. The prime minister and I joined this house together in 2015.
“We’ve lived through important moments in our domestic and international politics. But none of those experiences compares to the pain and suffering of the people of Ukraine. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that right across this house, it is vital that we all continue to stand together in full support of Ukraine?”
Mr Sunak responded: “It’s something that not only the whole country can be proud of but the entire house can be proud that we came together to stand by Ukraine when the moment mattered, and that we will continue to stand with them united as one parliament and one United Kingdom.”
Sir Keir emphasised: “Whatever differences we may have, no matter what difficulties we face as a country, we in this House have a duty to stand on the shoulders of giants who came before us and support Ukraine’s fight for freedom, liberty, and victory.”
The Prime Minister stressed: “This House and this country will stand united with Ukraine until we ensure the defeat of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked unsanctioned aggression, and that we will make sure that Ukraine is not only victorious, but that we bring peace to his people.”
President Zelensky has made a historic visit to London on Wednesday as Britain announced it will train Ukrainian pilots to fly Nato-standard fighter jets.
The Ukrainian president landed in an RAF C-17 aircraft amid tight security at 10.22am at Stansted airport where he was met by Mr Sunak.
He then headed to Downing Street for talks with the Prime Minister before addressing Parliament in Westminster Hall.
On the afternoon he was due to meet King Charles at Buckingham Palace before travelling to see Ukrainian troops being trained in Britain.
