President of the Supreme Court meets with Canada's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine

Amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the situation in Ukrainian courts and the country as a whole is challenging. The judicial system is currently facing significant problems due to the war. For example, justice is not being administered in a large part of Ukraine, and courts located in frontline areas cannot hear cases due to the constant threat of shelling. Additionally, many court buildings have been destroyed and looted by the occupiers. At the same time, despite all the difficulties, the judicial system has stood its ground, is functioning and ensures adequate protection of citizens' rights and freedoms.

This was stated by the President of the Supreme Court, Stanislav Kravchenko, during a meeting with Canada's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine, Natalka Cmoc.

Regarding the role of the Supreme Court in the European integration process, Stanislav Kravchenko pointed out that the representatives of the Supreme Court are aware of the importance of fulfilling the requirements set for Ukraine. "European integration is a crucial matter for the Supreme Court, as we are dedicated to upholding European values, including human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights," stated Stanislav Kravchenko.

According to Stanislav Kravchenko, the work of Ukrainian courts has undergone significant changes during the nearly two years of full-scale war. Today, new categories of cases dominate the courts, such as war crimes trials. Today, the efforts of judges are mainly aimed at ensuring that the evidence base in cases of war crimes and the damage caused as a result of their commission is recorded and that the perpetrators are identified for further prosecution. According to the Chief Justice, judges in these categories of cases must adhere to international standards of judicial procedure in order for such decisions by national courts to be perceived as fair and reasonable throughout the civilised world.

The President of the Supreme Court also stressed that the pre-war problems of Ukraine's judicial system remain pressing. Among them is a significant staff shortage. Therefore, an important event of the past year was the resumption of the work of the High Council of Justice and the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine, which will help resolve the issue of judicial personnel shortage.

Canada's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ukraine, Natalka Cmoc, stressed that Canada has been supporting judicial reform in Ukraine for many years and will continue to assist Ukraine in this regard and remain its reliable partner. The Ambassador also congratulated Ukraine on the start of its accession process to the European Union and assured that Canada is ready to provide the necessary technical and expert assistance to support Ukraine's European integration course.

For his part, the President of the Supreme Court expressed gratitude towards the Canadian people and the Government of Canada for their continued support of Ukraine during times of full-scale war. Among other things, Stanislav Kravchenko thanked Canada for sheltering Ukrainian citizens who were forced to flee their country because of the war.

The participants of the meeting included Olena Trapeznikova, Senior Project Officer at the Development Section of the Embassy of Canada in Ukraine, Rasim Babanly, First Deputy Chief of Staff - Head of the Department for Analytical and Legal Work of the Supreme Court, and Lina Hubar, Head of the Division for International Cooperation of the Supreme Court.