Deputy Minister Myrcha stressed that the Russian invasion of Ukraine constitutes a serious violation of international law. Those guilty of crimes committed on the territory of Ukraine must be subject of fair trial and subsequent punishment. He also noted that every country that commits aggression against another state must understand that the international community will not stay silent. Since the outbreak of the war, Poland has been supporting Ukraine on many levels, providing shelter for millions of refugees, and helping it politically and militarily. Moreover, Polish investigators are working within the framework of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, which investigates and secures evidence of Russian crimes. Deputy Minister Haichenko thanked Poland for its support and assured that Poland's involvement will not be forgotten by the Ukrainian people.

The meeting was also focused on the deportations of Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia. The Ministers stressed that these are cruel crimes that deserve special condemnation. Every child needs special care, including appropriate legal protection. Deputy Minister Myrcha announced that Poland will raise this issue at the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly.

The Deputy Ministers of Justice of Poland and Ukraine also raised the issue of the intimidation of judges and the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court by Russia. Both sides agreed that such actions are interference in the independence of the judiciary and the mandate of the ICC. Thanks to the initiative of Poland and the strong support of Ukraine, in February this year the Council of Europe adopted a resolution condemning the pressure on independent judges.

The importance of good relations between the Ministries of Justice of Poland and Ukraine was also emphasized. Experts from the ministries of both countries regularly participate in substantive meetings, that contribute to better understanding of respective legal systems. Constructive consultations translate into efficient cooperation in the areas of the transfer of sentenced persons, extradition, and child abduction cases. The Deputy Ministers drew attention to the high level of competence of experts from both countries, especially in civil, family, and criminal matters.

The meeting of the Ministers was part of the Polish-Ukrainian intergovernmental consultations, which are taking place within the framework of the visit of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to Poland. Representatives of Ukrainian ministries held a series of talks with the heads of Polish ministries. In turn, Prime Minister Shmyhal met with Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. 

Press Office 
Ministry of Justice