As the Ministry of Justice explains:
This followed a justified request from the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
The proceedings also cover Belarus’s actions in making its territory available for the conduct of armed aggression against Ukraine.
Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General Zbigniew Ziobro::
On my instruction, the Polish prosecutor’s office launched an investigation on Monday in connection with the crime of a war of aggression, of which Ukraine has become a victim. By pursuing its imperial policy, Russia attacked an independent and sovereign state.
As part of the proceedings, the prosecutor’s office will document all events that may later form the basis for holding those responsible for the crimes criminally liable under international law.
On Sunday, Minister Ziobro spoke with Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova. The head of the Ministry of Justice said:
She asked me for Poland to become involved in documenting these criminal acts taking place in Ukraine. I expressed full support, solidarity and readiness to provide any assistance possible within the legal framework.
How is the ministry helping?
The Ministry of Justice has provided nearly 2,000 places for refugees at centers under the ministry’s authority. All crime victims, including victims of wartime actions fleeing Ukraine, can also count on immediate and free assistance funded by the Justice Fund. Above all, this includes legal, psychological and material support, including food vouchers, footwear, clothing and interpreter assistance.
The Justice Fund’s website is already available in Ukrainian. The ministry has also begun cooperation with local governments in southeastern Poland, which, due to their geographical location, are the first to provide assistance to people arriving from Ukrainian territory.
An unequivocal legal response
Prosecutor Dariusz Barski said that the investigation into the attack on Ukraine was launched under Article 117 § 1 of the Criminal Code. Under this provision, anyone who initiates or wages a war of aggression is liable to a penalty of up to life imprisonment. “Other crimes committed in Ukraine will also be the subject of this investigation,” he stressed.
“Ukraine has asked Poland for support in proceedings before the International Criminal Court in The Hague. When we see bombs exploding in residential neighborhoods, when we see that the Russians do not hesitate to murder civilians, the legal response of the entire world must be unequivocal,” said Deputy Minister of Justice Sebastian Kaleta.
The ministry:
The violation of these legal interests of a state directly bordering Poland undermines European and international security. It is also directed against the interests of the international community, including the Republic of Poland.
During the investigation, the prosecutor’s office will make findings primarily on the basis of personal evidence, including testimony from witnesses who have taken refuge in Poland.
Moreover, during the proceedings, close cooperation will be established with Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies and judiciary. The prosecutor’s office will also take steps to obtain evidence through international legal assistance from other countries that may possess information relevant to the investigation.