The President of the Supreme Court expressed gratitude to the United States for its comprehensive support of Ukraine in its struggle for the rule of law, democratic values, European integration aspirations, and Euro-Atlantic choice.
Vsevolod Kniazev also thanked the U.S. for its assistance in investigating war crimes committed by Russian occupation forces in Ukraine and for important decisions to arrest and confiscate assets of Russian oligarchs.
The discussion also focused on the need to establish a Special tribunal to bring Russia's top military and political leadership to justice for the crime of aggression.
Vitaliy Urkevych emphasized the problem of reimbursement for damage caused by the war, as there is currently no mechanism for the enforcement of court decisions in this category of cases. In this regard, there is a need to create international mechanisms of compensation.
In addition, the President of the Supreme Court spoke about the progress of the judicial system reform, the prospects for reforming the Constitutional Court of Ukraine and the completion of the formations of the High Council of Justice and the High Qualification Commission of Judges, as well as the establishment of the High Court of Intellectual Property and the Court for Investment Protection or the introduction of appropriate specialization in commercial courts. He also emphasized the need for full implementation of e-justice and regulation of remote administration of justice.
Vsevolod Kniaziev noted that almost half of the judges' positions are currently vacant, and therefore, given the large number of cases submitted to the courts, judges have to work under excessive pressure. In addition, the problem of significant underfunding of the judicial system remains unresolved.
Merrick Garland assured that the United States will continue to provide Ukraine and its judiciary, in particular, with comprehensive support, assistance, and facilitation in addressing pressing issues.
The visit is organized with the participation of the USAID Justice for All Program.