Ukraine to ask Hague to investigate ‘crimes against …
Story highlights Ukraine's President says Kiev will ask Hague tribunal to investigate alleged crimes Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov blames Kiev for civilian deaths in Ukraine Kiev and the U.S. blame pro-Russia separatists for shelling that killed civilians last week
There has been a surge in fighting between Ukraine government forces and pro-Russian separatists in recent days. On Saturday, at least 30 civilians were killed in shelling in the southeastern city of Mariupol, while eight people died when a transit stop in the city of Donetsk was shelled Thursday. Both sides blamed the other for the deaths.
Speaking after a meeting with the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Poroshenko said "the actions of Russian-backed terrorists and regular Russian troops" had caused Ukrainians to suffer.
"We are going to file a suit to the Hague tribunal, which must investigate into these crimes against humanity," Poroshenko said. "It is a test for humanity and moral dignity. Because turning a blind eye to such horrible and shameful crimes means indulging terrorists and aggressors and violating high European values for which Ukrainians are suffering and dying."
On Sunday, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council authorized the government to initiate the Hague action, it said in a statement. It said it would ask for the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic to be designated terrorist organizations.
The International Criminal Court at the Hague is a permanent body established by 120 nations to investigate "the most serious crimes of concern to the international community."
Earlier Monday, Moscow stepped up its war of words over Ukraine, warning Western countries not to give Kiev the impression it had their automatic support regardless of its actions.
At a press conference in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov blamed Kiev for the renewed fighting and civilian deaths and questioned the West's lack of condemnation.
Lavrov said Moscow -- which accuses Ukrainian forces of responsibility -- had not heard a single statement from the West criticizing Kiev.
"We hope our Western partners won't stay away, and European countries, primarily France and Germany who are taking part in so called Normandy format, and mainly the U.S. won't do anything to create an illusion for Kiev's government that its actions lead to automatic support in the West."
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Ukraine to ask Hague to investigate 'crimes against ...