Prosecutor General of Ukraine Ruslan Kravchenko concluded a working visit to the United States of America last week. He held a series of important meetings in Washington and New York, including with the Assistant Attorney General of the United States and the Deputy Director of the FBI. The discussions focused on further cooperation in the field of international legal assistance, particularly in criminal proceedings with a cross-border dimension, UNN reports.
Last week, I concluded a working visit to the United States of America. In Washington and New York, I held a series of important meetings with representatives of the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the United Nations. In particular, I met with Deputy Assistant Secretaries of State Christopher Smith and David Bedard. I am personally grateful for the meaningful conversation and attention to issues of fundamental importance for Ukraine, the justice system, and the prosecution authorities. Especially – for the shared vision of the role of anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine,
According to the Prosecutor General, the anti-corruption infrastructure is a vital component of a democratic state. Its independent, professional, and effective operation directly impacts public trust, the support of international partners, and the stability of state institutions.
We have a common understanding that every body must act within the law, clearly perform its function, and work for results. It is important that all institutions of the law enforcement system work responsibly, within their powers, and with a focus on the interests of the state and society,
The Prosecutor General of Ukraine thanked the American partners for supporting Ukraine within the framework of the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA). This is an important tool that helps Ukrainian prosecutors and investigators enhance the quality of documentation, evidence collection, and preparation of materials for national and international justice mechanisms.
According to him, during the meetings, they discussed the illegal transfer and deportation of children, forced identity changes, crimes against children in the temporarily occupied territories, as well as investigations into sexual violence against children. Special attention was paid to the development of the Ukrainian prosecution service.
Despite the war, we continue to modernize the prosecution system: updating personnel approaches, raising professional and ethical standards, developing specialization, and working on the quality of pre-trial investigations and procedural management. The implementation of the Prosecution Development Strategy for 2025–2028 is not a formality for us, but a practical tool for strengthening the institution. I am grateful to the USA for supporting the training of Ukrainian prosecutors and investigators, and for the exchange of experience in working with digital evidence, international crimes, and complex cross-border investigations,
In addition, the Prosecutor General informed partners about the needs of prosecutors working directly at the sites of Russian shelling and documenting the consequences of war crimes. Their work often takes place under high-risk conditions, so issues of security, technical equipment, and mobility are extremely important.
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Kravchenko also held a meeting with the Assistant Attorney General of the USA – Head of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice Andrew Tyson Duva and FBI Deputy Director Christopher Ryan.
We discussed further cooperation in the field of international legal assistance, particularly in criminal proceedings with a cross-border dimension. A significant part of such cooperation concerns countering cybercrime, investigating crimes against citizens, institutions, and companies, as well as the effective exchange of information between the competent authorities of our states. Significant attention was paid to extradition issues and other legal mechanisms that ensure the inevitability of punishment for persons involved in serious crimes. It is important for us that no jurisdiction becomes a place of impunity for those fleeing justice,
In New York, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine met with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten.
I expressed special gratitude for the international community's attention to crimes of sexual violence related to the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine, and for the consistent support of victims. It is important for us that these crimes do not remain invisible, neither in Ukrainian criminal proceedings nor in international accountability mechanisms,
Also, during the working meetings, according to the Prosecutor General, they raised issues of sanctions policy, attempts to circumvent restrictions, the use of shadow logistics mechanisms, and the supply of dual-use components that can be used in Russian weaponry.
This is a complex area that requires constant information exchange, joint analysis, and coordination between partner states. For Ukraine, it is important that any schemes helping the aggressor state continue the war receive a proper legal assessment. The main conclusion of this visit is that the partnership between Ukraine and the USA in the field of justice is practical, systemic, and result-oriented. This visit confirmed: Ukraine has reliable partners in matters of justice, accountability, and human rights protection. We value the support of the United States of America and international institutions. At the same time, we clearly understand our responsibility to professionally do our part of the work, strengthen institutions, and ensure results in every area where justice is concerned,