At the Ministerial Meeting in May 2025, the Dialogue Group was reaffirmed as a key platform for supporting accountability for international crimes in Ukraine, notably by enabling international expert input on legislative reform and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders. Ukraine’s ratification of the Rome Statute was recognised as a catalyst for important legislative developments, including the introduction of crimes against humanity and clarification of command responsibility.
Participants underlined the need for continued harmonisation of national legislation with international standards, supported by the Interagency Working Group, alongside procedural safeguards on evidence preservation, victim participation, and expert access, while remaining grounded in Ukrainian legal practice.
In light of shifting geopolitical and donor dynamics, participants expressed concern about funding reductions affecting justice and accountability efforts. Sustained and coordinated technical assistance was identified as essential, particularly to advance the SMEREKA e-case management system, preserve access to open-source intelligence (OSINT), and strengthen legal standards for the admissibility and reliability of digital evidence. The growing reliance on OSINT and advanced investigative tools in war crimes investigations was highlighted as critical for documenting systematic violations and establishing command responsibility. The Dialogue Group’s Workstreams highlighted a strong focus on victim-centred and trauma-informed justice. Progress under Workstream 1 discussions, including the operationalisation of the Victims and Witnesses Coordination Center in nine regions, was welcomed, while the need for additional donor support to expand capacity nationwide was stressed. Across the Workstreams, participants emphasised improved coordination among investigative actors, legal harmonisation on victims’ rights, and tailored engagement with children, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and adult victims. Ukraine’s commitment to centering justice during active conflict was recognized as unique and commendable. The Dialogue Group’s format was seen as a possible global model replicable for other contexts, offering a mechanism to reduce duplication and sustain victim-focused accountability efforts.