Olha Stefanishyna met with German Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann

On November 4, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna met with German Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann.

The parties discussed cooperation in bringing russian war criminals to justice as well as Ukraine’s progress towards EU membership.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that in April, after de-occupation of territories of Kyiv Region, many crimes against civilians committed by the russian military were revealed. She also drew attention to the difficulty in documenting crimes due to people wishing to forget them as soon as possible.

“We have started to create Centers of Assistance to Survivors in the cities that are closest to the still occupied or already de-occupied territories. In these centers, people can get all the information they need, consult psychologists, lawyers. Experts work with survivors of violence in the centers in accordance with the UN protocol. We have an opportunity to share information in a depersonalized manner to collect data on russian crimes,” said Olha Stefanishyna.

Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann stressed Germany’s readiness to work together with Ukraine to ensure the criminals do not escape punishment. The Minister also noted that Ukraine’s victory in this war is important for the protection of the rule of law in international relations.

Furthermore, Olha Stefanishyna and Marco Buschmann discussed implementation by Ukraine of seven recommendations of the European Commission.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Ukraine already has positive results on this path. She informed on the implementation of anti-corruption reforms, in particular the process of formation of the High Council of Justice and the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine.

For his part, Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann noted that Germany is willing to support Ukraine on the path to EU membership.