Russia’s permanent mission: EU does not have the authority to set up courts to try country leaders

BRUSSELS, January 20 – RIA Novosti. According to the comments of Russia’s Permanent Mission to the EU on the decision of the European Parliament, the European Union and its member states do not have the right to establish any court to try the leaders of third countries.

On Thursday, the European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution calling for the establishment of “a court for the crime of aggression against Ukraine” and discussing the use of Russian state assets “for reparations to Kiev”.

“I would like to remind the members of parliament that neither the EU nor the member states have the authority to establish an international court to try the leaders of third countries who enjoy immunity under international law,” the statement said.

The permanent mission reminded that this mandate rests exclusively with the UN Security Council, which is primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security. “The EU’s attempts to establish an international tribunal by bypassing the UN Security Council are doomed to failure. Brussels is well aware of this, but is diligently covering it up.”

According to the plan of European parliamentarians, the so-called “special court” should complement the International Criminal Court’s efforts to investigate crimes on Ukrainian soil. “However, this idea also has no legal basis. Russia does not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC in its statute, which it has never joined,” the commentary said.

According to the Russian diplomatic representation, the initiative of European lawmakers is illegitimate and aimed at increasing pressure on Russia.

The permanent mission states, “It is clear that the initiative of the European Parliament and the ideas previously put forward by the European Commission are absolutely illegitimate. But even this cannot prevent the EU’s efforts to increase the pressure on our country.” Russian Federation concluded.