International Justice and Sanctions
During a visit to Australia, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna advocated for Australia to take a leading role in efforts to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable for the war in Ukraine through a Nuremberg-style trial. Tsahkna also urged the Albanese government to consider implementing a travel ban on former Russian soldiers involved in the conflict and to adopt stricter restrictions on Russian oil imports, similar to those in the European Union.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called on Australia to lead efforts for a Nuremberg-style trial for Putin, consider a travel ban on former Russian soldiers, and adopt stricter Russian oil import restrictions.
Call for Special Tribunal
The European Union has previously called for the creation of a special tribunal to charge Putin and other Russian leaders with the crime of aggression against Ukraine, a legal action last pursued during the Nuremberg trials after World War II. Tsahkna emphasized that these efforts are not solely about Europe or Ukraine but pertain to the global order and upholding international values. He expressed hope that Putin would face justice, drawing a parallel to the accountability of Nazi Germany's leaders.
Australia has previously supported the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Tsahkna suggested Australia could be instrumental in garnering support for this tribunal from other Indo-Pacific nations. This proposed tribunal would operate separately from the International Criminal Court's ongoing investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine.
Sanctions and Security Concerns
Estonia is advocating for a European-wide ban on entry for all Russian veterans of the war, citing potential domestic security threats from "ex-prisoners and rapists" once the conflict concludes. Tsahkna recommended Australia consider similar measures.
Regarding economic sanctions, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) sanctions office recently updated its guidance to companies on compliance with the current sanctions regime against Russian-origin oil. The Ukrainian-Australian community has called for Australia to align with the European Union's definition of sanctioned goods to include all petroleum products derived from Russian crude.
Tsahkna noted that while Estonia supports actions against Iran, he expressed concern that increasing global oil prices are directly contributing to funding Russia's war efforts. He also highlighted the diminishing number of Putin's global allies, with Chinese President Xi Jinping being a notable exception whose intervention, Tsahkna suggested, could halt the war.