Zelensky and Rutte made a joint statement

On May 4, 2023, during the visit of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to the Netherlands, he and Prime Minister Mark Rutte made a joint statement. The parties agreed that Russia's illegal and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine must be stopped, the perpetrators of the war must be punished, and Ukraine's rights, including compensation from Russia, must be fully restored.

Ukraine and the Netherlands said that Russia's aggression violates the UN Charter and threatens the world order. All responsibility for the beginning and consequences of the war lies with Russia.  

Russian officials responsible for aggression and international crimes during the Russian-Ukrainian war must be held accountable. The parties welcome international agreements on this matter and the decision of the International Criminal Court based in The Hague to take provisional measures on allegations of genocide of the Ukrainian people.   

A comprehensive system that will bring to justice the perpetrators of the war in Ukraine and the perpetrators of war crimes will consist of three levels:

1. Investigation and prosecution of international crimes - both at the national and international levels.
2. Establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression. The parties agreed that this tribunal should be located in The Hague.
3. Full compensation for the harm caused to Ukraine through the international compensation mechanism. The parties agreed that compensation for damage should be entrusted to Russia, and, in accordance with international law, its consent is not required for this.

Ukraine and the Netherlands are convinced that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved on the basis of Zelensky's formula. This formula includes: the complete liberation of the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine, bringing the perpetrators of aggression and international crimes to justice, and full compensation for the damage caused to Ukraine and Ukrainians. 

The full text of the joint statement of Ukraine and the Netherlands can be read on the website of President Zelensky.