British Foreign Secretary David Lammy plans to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart and 17 other foreign ministers in Lviv on May 9. The main goal of this meeting is to discuss the next steps for «achieving lasting peace in Europe,» the British Foreign Office reported.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Discussion on Peace and Establishment of the Tribunal
The statement notes that «the visit to Lviv serves as a confirmation of European partners’ commitment to ensuring a fair and lasting peace. During the meeting, the ministers will also support the establishment of a Special Tribunal regarding the crime of aggression against Ukraine.» This is an important step in response to the ongoing aggression of the Russian Federation.
Sanctions and the UK’s Position on Russia
The Foreign Office stated that these events are taking place against the backdrop of the British Prime Minister’s announcement of a massive sanctions package against the Russian fleet transporting oil. It is estimated that the sanctions have paralyzed about 200 ships – nearly half of the Russian fleet, the department noted.
“We stand against Putin, against his delays and retreat from peace, as well as against his dubious shadow fleet of oil tankers. We are determined to thwart his failed ambitions to finance his illegal war through them – that is why we have today imposed the largest sanctions package against them, covering 110 targets.”
The Foreign Secretary urged Russia to «abandon its tricks» and agree to an unconditional ceasefire, as Ukraine has done. He added that «peace will always prevail, and aggressors will never be allowed to succeed.»
Establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression
On May 9, foreign ministers from dozens of countries, along with leaders from Ukraine and the Council of Europe, will sign documents in Lviv to establish a Special Tribunal to hold accountable those responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Draft documents are already in the possession of international organizations and countries.
In February, the European Commission reported that legal experts from the EU, the EU External Action Service, the Council of Europe, Ukraine, and 37 other countries laid the legal foundations for the establishment of such a tribunal. In December 2024, President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked everyone involved in creating this institution and emphasized the need for further efforts to ensure its functionality and effectiveness.