The President of the Supreme Court and representatives of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights discussed areas for further cooperation

In the investigation of crimes committed by the Russian military in Ukraine and in the adoption of court decisions in the relevant criminal proceedings, it is essential to ensure that the highest standards of evidence, defence and transparency of the process are maintained, as the Ukrainian courts strive to have their decisions perceived as fair throughout the world.

This was stated by the President of the Supreme Court, Stanislav Kravchenko, at a meeting with a delegation from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which addressed issues related to the trial of war crimes.

The President of the Supreme Court thanked the representatives of the Office for the active cooperation and support, stressing that ODIHR had always been a reliable partner of the Supreme Court and that the Office's assistance was invaluable at such a difficult time for the country.

Stanislav Kravchenko also expressed his hope for further fruitful cooperation and his belief that the Victory will enable Ukraine to continue its democratic development.

The Head of ODIHR’s Democratization Department, Konstantine Vardzelashvili, noted that the global community is impressed by how Ukraine remains stable and, despite the war, does not stop implementing reforms. In the judicial system, in particular, Vardzelashvili commended the courts’ efforts to adhere to the highest standards of justice, and norms and principles of international law while adjudicating war crimes. He said that this is an exceptional effort that embodies respect for the rule of law. He also said that the Supreme Court's efforts to respond promptly and effectively to challenges before are commendable, along with its endeavors to advance judicial independence through reform. Mr. Vardzelashvili assured that the Bureau will continue to provide the necessary assistance to the judicial system of Ukraine, tailoring its assistance to the needs and requests of Ukraine’s judicial system.

Christopher D. Russell, Rule of Law Officer, ODIHR, said that training sessions for Ukrainian judges were currently being prepared and discussed. Among the issues that could be considered during such sessions, he highlighted the problematic aspects of proving, the nuances of the in absentia procedure, the peculiarities of the status of prisoners of war and the question of the responsibility of the aggressor country's military command.

Participants at the event outlined prospects for further cooperation, including expert assistance, work to improve national legislation, and the development of recommendations for judges regarding the consideration of criminal proceedings for war crimes.

ODIHR's delegation also included Radivoje Grujic, Associate Democratic Governance Officer, while the Supreme Court was represented by Herman Anisimov, Secretary of the Third Judicial Chamber of the Criminal Cassation Court within the Supreme Court, Mykola Kovtunovych, SC Judge in the Criminal Cassation Court, Hennadii Zelenov, Head of the Division for Analytical Assistance to the Cassation Courts and the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court of the Department for Analytical and Legal Work, and Lina Hubar, Head of the Division for International Legal Cooperation of the Supreme Court.