Smith raises compelling need to prosecute Putin for war crimes and protect displaced Ukrainian women and children from sex traffickers

WASHINGTON—In a high-level meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the Capitol, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today raised the need to indict and prosecute Vladimir Putin for war crimes now and resolve the dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Europe—including and especially the escalating risk of human trafficking—as Putin continues to wage the largest and most lethal attack in Europe since World War II.

“Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and others responsible for unleashing the massive death and destruction against innocent Ukrainians must be indicted and prosecuted immediately for their egregious war crimes,” said Rep. Smith, who has authored legislation and chaired the first hearing in the House of Representatives to hold Putin accountable for his actions.

At the meeting, Smith—who is leading efforts in Congress to push for Putin’s indictment and prosecution as a war criminal—proposed having the United Nations (UN) General Assembly create an ad hoc tribunal for a timely trial.

Smith noted that Russia and China would veto the creation of a tribunal in the UN Security Council but have no veto power in the General Assembly.

When asked by Smith, the Ukrainian Prime Minister said he would “absolutely” support such a move by the General Assembly.

Smith also emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid and protection officers to help those fleeing the violence in Ukraine from exploitation by human traffickers as more than 7 million Ukrainians are internally displaced and another 5 million Ukrainians have crossed borders into neighboring countries, away from Russian aggression targeting civilians and non-military infrastructure—including hospitals, schools and residential buildings.

“The trafficking of innocent Ukrainians—most of whom are women and children—as they seek shelter after being forced out of their homes is an affront to humanity that must end now,” said Smith, who has authored five laws to combat human trafficking, including the United States’ historic Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000.

“The United States must work closely with Ukraine and our key partners in Europe to provide protection and ensure safety for those fleeing Putin’s ruthless invasion,” Smith said.

In response, Prime Minister Shmyhal told Smith that Ukraine would stand in solidarity with efforts to prevent trafficking and protect victims from perpetrators of the heinous crime.

Smith, who has been a strong supporter of those on the frontlines defending freedom against tyranny, voted to provide Ukraine with critical military assistance and ban U.S. imports of Russian oil in the wake of Putin’s attack on the neighboring country.