The European Union's top judicial authority hopes to discuss plans to set up a special court to prosecute Russia over the war in Ukraine with G7 partners. Didier Reynders, European Commission's justice commissioner, said in a recent interview with Kyodo News that he plans to "check with the G7 partners before, probably during the meeting of justice ministers in Tokyo, which is chaired by Japan, whether the same approach is possible" ahead of the G7 summit.
As suspicions of war crimes against Russia mount, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin in March for alleged involvement in the forced repatriation of Ukrainian children. If Putin visits an ICC member state, he could potentially be arrested. However, the court requires a mandate from the United Nations Security Council to prosecute non-member states, and Russia's veto power as a permanent member of the council makes such an agreement difficult.
According to Reynders, the European Union is exploring another avenue by setting up a special court, or a hybrid court with Ukrainian judicial authorities and ICC involvement, to pursue Russia's responsibility. The ICC is also investigating Russia for crimes against humanity and suspected mass killings, but the process is expected to take a considerable amount of time.
EU member states have shown varying responses to the ICC's arrest warrant. Germany said it would arrest Putin if he travels to the country, while Hungary said it would not. Reynders noted such differences, but the former Belgian foreign minister said all 27 member states had agreed unanimously on a package of ten sanctions against Russia and were "unanimous on the suspicion of Russia's war crimes."
"We have made tremendous efforts at the European level to maintain unity since the start of the war," he said.
The G7 group consists of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the US, and the European Union. Justice ministers will meet in Tokyo on July 7.
