KC MP has reflected on
her involvement in supporting Ukraine as it pursues justice for
the victims of Russian atrocities and on her ongoing personal
connection to the country.
She said:
This week marks a horrific chapter in Ukraine’s history as the
country faces the two-year anniversary of Russia’s unlawful
invasion.
Ukraine holds a special place in my heart. My daughter worked in
Kyiv a few years ago and I remember when I visited her at the end
of 2021. Rarely has a place looked more beautiful than Kyiv, with
its cathedral lit up by the bright November sun.
I knew that things would be different when I returned last year,
but seeing the sandbags around Mykhailivs’ka square was
heart-breaking.
Even though Kyiv looked different, its people were the same.
Weathered by war, but vibrant. Battered by conflict, but even
more resilient.
That is why, alongside international partners, we are determined
to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
The Government appointed Sir Howard Morrison - a former Judge at
the International Criminal Court. - as independent advisor to
Andriy Kostin - the Prosecutor General of Ukraine. This package
of support has included training more than 100 judges to hold
domestic war crimes trials.
In December 2022, the Attorney joined G7 justice ministers in
signing the Berlin Declaration, coordinating international
investigations and prosecutions and pledging solidarity with
Ukraine.
Last March, on a visit to Ukraine, she witnessed the impact of
the conflict first hand in Kyiv, Bucha and Borodiankia. In Lviv,
the Attorney represented the UK at the United for Justice
Conference.
This experience was reflected in her submission to the
International Court of Justice where, alongside 32 other
intervening states, the Attorney intervened in the case brought
by Ukraine against Russia under the Genocide Convention.
The Attorney added:
Most significantly for my family – we welcomed a Ukrainian woman
into our home at the start of the war. Vika is an integral part
of our family. We recently celebrated her birthday. I know
she will be part of our lives for ever.
Putin has tried to convince us all that Ukraine is part of a
Russian world. That there is no Ukrainian culture. That there is
no Ukraine.
But Ukraine’s soldiers and its people continue to defy the odds.
They display the utmost bravery. Here in the UK, we know
that Ukraine is fighting not just for its own security, but our
security too.