EU Official Warns Against Impunity for Russia in Ukraine Conflict

BRUSSELS — European Union Commissioner Michael McGrath emphasized the importance of holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine, warning that allowing impunity would be a “historic mistake of huge proportions,” according to a report by Politico.

McGrath, who oversees democracy, justice, the rule of law, and consumer protection for the EU, stated that Russia must face consequences for what he described as “crimes” committed during the conflict. He cautioned that failing to do so would risk enabling future aggression and invasions.

“I don’t think history will judge kindly any effort to wipe the slate clean for Russian crimes in Ukraine,” McGrath said. “They must be held accountable for those crimes and that will be the approach of the European Union in all of these discussions. Were we to do so, to allow for impunity for those crimes, we would be sowing the seeds of the next round of aggression and the next invasion.”

He further underscored the human toll of the conflict, noting, “Millions of lives have been taken or destroyed, and people forcibly removed, and we have ample evidence. We cannot give up on the rights of the victims of Russian aggression and Russian crimes.”

The remarks come amid ongoing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with the Trump administration reportedly involved in efforts to broker a resolution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed gratitude toward the Trump administration for its role in these discussions.

McGrath’s comments reflect the European Union’s stance on ensuring justice and accountability in the conflict, emphasizing that any resolution must address the alleged crimes committed and uphold the rights of victims.