Olha Stefanishyna and Dutch Justice Minister visit Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise and discuss further expansion of cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna held a working meeting with David van Weel, Minister of Justice and Security of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The parties discussed priority areas for bilateral cooperation in the context of deepening the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the Netherlands, particularly in transforming the justice system, upholding the rule of law, and promoting democratic governance. Significant attention was given to further cooperation within Ukraine’s EU integration process, including the implementation of key areas outlined in Cluster I “Fundamentals” of the EU accession negotiation framework.

Olha Stefanishyna expressed gratitude for the multifaceted support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, highlighting the importance of expert assistance and knowledge exchange.

“We greatly value the consistent support of the Netherlands, particularly through the MATRA programme, which strengthens human rights and the rule of law. This cooperation reflects our shared commitment to democratic values,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised.

Special focus was placed on international legal mechanisms to hold russia accountable for crimes committed during its armed aggression against Ukraine. Discussions covered support for the functioning of the Register of Damage, the initiative to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression, and maintaining sanctions pressure on the aggressor.

“The joint efforts of Ukraine and the Netherlands in investigating war crimes are a crucial step towards justice. This visit underscores the importance of international cooperation on justice and human rights issues. We are grateful to our partners for their steadfast support and joint efforts in establishing the truth,” noted Olha Stefanishyna.

During the visit, the delegation also toured the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise (KNDISE), where they learned about the work of Ukrainian forensic experts, the methodologies used to document russia’s war crimes, and inspected the Institute’s technical facilities. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine Andrii Haichenko, KNDISE Director Maksym Kyseliov, members of the Dutch delegation, and the Institute’s staff.

The foreign delegation visited the KNDISE history museum, which spans 112 years. Among the exhibits were materials from war crime scenes, including cases related to the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17. The museum displays a model of the aircraft and fragments collected during the international investigation, which involved Ukrainian experts alongside Dutch specialists.

Following the tour, Olha Stefanishyna met with the KNDISE team, thanking the experts for their professionalism and daily work, which forms a vital part of Ukraine’s justice system and international efforts to document war crimes.