Attorney General of the United States Merrick Garland and Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and the Joint Investigative Team (JIT) for the investigation of serious international crimes in Ukraine. They announced this during the international conference “United for Justice” on March 3, 2023.
Source: Attorney General of the United States Merrick Garland, Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin
“I believe that the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Joint Investigative Team (JIT) and the United States Department of Justice will allow us to strengthen our cooperation, as well as ensure direct communication and compliance with international cooperation procedures. We have already established a close and fruitful cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and the Prosecutor General’s team on a bilateral level. We look forward to the continuation of this cooperation and its successful results,” informed the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
Andriy Kostin noted that this conference is timed to the anniversary of the war started by Russia, and the number of registered Russian war crimes today exceeds 70,000 in Ukraine.
Merrick Garland, in turn, emphasized Russia’s violations of international law.
“Over the next 12 months, we witnessed the attacks on the civilian population, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the forced deportation of Ukrainian children and other shocking violations of international law. Even the city [the largest city in the west of Ukraine – Lviv – ed.] in which we gathered today became the target of deadly Russian attacks,” said the US Attorney General.
Merrick Garland assured that the US would use all available methods to achieve justice for the victims in Ukraine.
“The Memorandum of Understanding will formalize and strengthen coordination between the US and JIT member countries. We will contribute and provide full support from the US government,” added Merrick Garland.
Uaposition memo: Seven countries are members of the Joint Investigative Team for the investigation of serious international crimes in Ukraine. It was formed by Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine on March 25, 2022, and was later joined by Estonia, Latvia, and Slovakia. Eurojust and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court are also members of the team.
See also: International center for prosecuting the crime of Russian aggression will be created in The Hague
