ForMin Aurescu: Bucha massacre, Russia's responsability

"The massacre in Bucha is Russia's responsibility", because the crimes took place during the period in which this area was under Russian occupation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, declared on Monday, during a debate organized by the New Strategy Center think-tank, at the National Military Circle, also attended by visiting Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eva-Maria Liimets, Agerpres reports.

"We must do all that we can to stop this illegal war against Ukraine. And we must do all that we can so that those responsible for this massacre to answer before justice. That is why, Romania, Estonia, and many other states, I believe over 40 countries, we notified the International Penal Court on March 2 and requested prosecutors to start an investigation regarding the crimes of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, that took place in Ukraine. Unfortunately, what we saw yesterday was just a confirmation that we were right," Bogdan Aurescu said.

The Minister highlighted that Romania and Estonia share similar views and values within EU and NATO, but also because for these states is very important to unite their forces in order to contribute in stopping the war.

"For us it is very important to join forces and do all that we can to stop Russia's illegal war against Ukraine. I believe that this is one of the darkest moments in recent history. Not just for Ukraine, but for our region, for the European and Euro-Atlantic security. This also has global ramifications. This aggression has shown the damages that Russia can do in our region. I have condemned this illegal aggression since day one. The images that we saw yesterday, of the massacre in Bucha, but also other Ukrainian cities are terrible," Aurescu said.

Aurescu pleaded for new sanctions for Russia from the European Union, but also for consolidating the defence on the Eastern flank.

He mentioned about Romania's involvement in receiving the refugees, alongside other states. In this sense, he pointed out that the Republic of Moldova has received the largest number of refugees reported to the country's population and highlighted the importance of supporting the Chisinau Government in this effort.