As the Trump administration works towards mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine, a European Union representative has emphasized the necessity for Russia to be held accountable for its “crimes.” This position was highlighted in a recent report.

Michael McGrath, the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection, cautioned against allowing “impunity,” suggesting that doing so “would be a grave historical error.” His remarks underline the EU’s firm stance on accountability.

McGrath stated, as reported by Politico, “Efforts to erase Russian crimes in Ukraine from history will not be looked upon favorably in the future.” He asserted that accountability is crucial, and this will guide the European Union’s approach in forthcoming negotiations.

He further explained that overlooking these crimes would only plant the seeds for future aggression and potential invasions, emphasizing once more that this would be a “grave historical error.”

In a recent scene, Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen entering a meeting with young scientists at the Kremlin following discussions with the Hungarian Prime Minister on November 28, 2025, in Moscow, Russia. On the other hand, EU Commissioner Michael McGrath addressed the media about new digital policies aimed at reducing costs and fostering innovation on November 19, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. (Images: Contributor/Getty Images; Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)

“We cannot give up on the rights of the victims of Russian aggression and Russian crimes,” McGrath asserted, according to the outlet. “Millions of lives have been taken or destroyed, and people forcibly removed, and we have ample evidence.” 

President Donald Trump speaks to the press aboard Air Force One en route to Washington, D.C., on Nov. 30, 2025. (Pete Marovich/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed gratitude toward the Trump administration.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at a press conference with Pedro Sanchez, Spanish prime minister (not pictured), during his official visit to the headquarters of the Spanish government in Palacio de la Moncloa. (Alberto Gardin/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“I am grateful to the United States, to President Trump’s team, and to the President personally for the time that is being invested so intensively in defining the steps to end the war,” he noted in part of a post on X.