Ukraine's top prosecutor, Europol head discuss cooperation in investigating Russian crimes

Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin and Executive Director of Europol Catherine De Bolle discussed in The Hague the strengthening of partnership in investigating Russian crimes against Ukraine.

That's according to Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office, Ukrinform reports.

Kostin informed De Bolle about one of the bloodiest attacks on Ukrainian cities, which was carried out by Russia on July 8. Numerous civilian objects were damaged, including the largest children's hospital in Ukraine. Massive shelling claimed the lives of 46 civilians, including five children.

Kostin noted that Europol plays an important role in building a network of comprehensive responsibility for international crimes, particularly through the work of the Analytical Project on Core International Crimes (AP CIC), an OSINT task force to support investigations into war crimes committed in Ukraine, and within Europol's participation in the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on core international crimes.

Ukraine also appreciates Europol's support in the activities of the Freeze & Seize Task Force and Operation Oscar, which is aimed at identifying criminal assets related to Russian aggression.

"I hope for the further expansion of our constant cooperation in restoring justice for Ukraine and Ukrainians," Kostin said.

Early on July 8, Russian troops launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine.

In Kyiv, one missile strike hit the Okhmatdyt children's hospital, where 627 children underwent treatment at that time. The enemy attack injured eight children and killed two adults. Ninety-four patients were transported to other hospitals. A boy who was in the hospital's intensive care unit during the July 8 attack died a few days later.

The Security Service of Ukraine established that Russia had used a Kh-101 cruise missile in the attack on Okhmatdyt. This conclusion was confirmed by Bellingcat analysts and experts in nuclear weapons and missile technology.