12:13 04.09.2015

Ukraine rejects Russia's so-called right to use universal jurisdiction in Donbas

2 min read
Ukraine rejects Russia's so-called right to use universal jurisdiction in Donbas

Ukraine doesn't recognize Russia's right to apply universal jurisdiction in Ukraine as a result of the ongoing crisis in Donbas, deputy chief of presidential staff Kostiantyn Yeliseyev has said.

When asked to comment by Interfax-Ukraine on the statement of Russian investigators on September 3 that "its [Russia] universal jurisdiction applies to the south-east part of Ukraine", Yeliseyev said the statement amounted to "more confirmation that Moscow refuses to honor the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine."

"Ukraine doesn't recognize Russia's right to apply the principle of universal jurisdiction regarding the events in Donbas [which were] caused by Russian aggression," he said.

Yeliseyev also stressed Ukraine completely adheres to all the international commitments it has undertook, as well as its obligations under international humanitarian law, "while the universal jurisdiction principle, as with any other international and legal tool, must be used objectively, impartially and fairly."

"Cynical and daring looks [by the investigators] are an attempt to resort to use this principle by the state [Russia], which by itself commits internationally recognized crimes through Crimea's annexation, the act of aggression against a sovereign independent state, as well as bearing responsibility for deaths of hundreds of people as a result of destroying the Malaysian Airlines [flight MH17] plane," he said

Yeliseyev said that the actions of Russia in forging criminal cases against citizens of Ukraine, alleged to have committed violations of international laws, constitute "a desire to distract the attention of the democratic public from the fact of continuing aggression against Ukraine and the crimes committed [by Russia] in this regard."

"It is noteworthy that indicated the statement was released on the background of the decisions of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine to approve the new military doctrine that identifies the Russian Federation as a military adversary, and extends the list of individuals who will face sanctions," he said.

As reported, on Thursday the Russian Investigative Committee announced that it believes that universal jurisdiction applies to the south-eastern part of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded by saying that the committee has no basis for applying its jurisdiction in Ukraine.

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