(MENAFN) The European Union declared on Monday its initial commitment of €10 million (around $11 million) to help establish the "Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression" regarding Ukraine, as stated by the bloc’s top foreign affairs representative, Kaja Kallas.

During a shared press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andriy Sybiha, Kallas emphasized that the EU remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

She pointed directly at Russian leadership, saying, "Russia's leaders are responsible for this war. There wouldn't be any war crimes if there would not be the crime of aggression – so there would not be any atrocities either. Nobody should be left unpunished for crimes committed."

The creation of this tribunal stems from previous conversations held in Lviv back in May with foreign ministers, which aimed to push the initiative forward. Kallas highlighted that these discussions were instrumental in shaping the EU’s legal response.

The foreign policy chief further remarked that EU-imposed sanctions have "already deprived Russia of hundreds of billions of euros," and added that additional penalties targeting Russia’s energy sector, financial systems, and trade income are currently being developed.

She went on to note the economic toll the sanctions have had on Russia: "Inflation exceeds 20%, cash reserves are depleted, and growth is close to zero. Maybe time was once on Russia's side, but it is shifting to Ukraine now. Every euro we take from Russia is a euro it cannot spend on the war."

In terms of military aid, Kallas confirmed that the EU will bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities with an additional €2 billion specifically allocated for drones.

The civilian mission in Ukraine will also be extended to include cyber protection and assistance for veterans.

Addressing the broader security situation in Europe, Kallas warned of a significant increase in "hybrid attacks," urging for enhanced deterrence through military strength in order to stave off future conflict.

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