Estonian MEP: Crimes of Russian soldiers must be documented

TALLINN – Members of the European Parliament, including Estonian MEP and deputy chairman of the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee Urmas Paet, sent a letter to EU leaders calling on the EU to fund and create an environment for documenting crimes against Ukrainians committed by Russian soldiers.

"The killings of civilians in Ukraine during the war, in particular in Bucha, have been investigated and documented in order to provide sufficient evidence against the murderers in court and to ensure that they are punished," Paet said. "Similarly, the mass rapes and other serious crimes committed by Russian soldiers must be documented so that there is at least some hope of catching the perpetrators later and punishing them," he added.

According to Paet, many victims of rape, including children, have told their stories, either to journalists or through social media. "At the same time, all these descriptions need to be compiled to ensure that the crimes are thoroughly documented," he said. "In addition to the information already available, additional material can be collected in refugee camps and elsewhere."

MEPs sent the letter to European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.