They form the so-called "Five Eyes" alliance. Justice officials from five Western countries on Thursday announced support for Ukraine's legal action to try war crimes related to the Russian invasion.

Justice Ministers or Attorneys General of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand said in a statement that they "support" the action of the Attorney General of Ukraine , Iryna Venediktova, aimed at holding accountable those responsible for "war crimes committed during the Russian invasion".

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Ukraine has opened thousands of war crimes files allegedly committed by Russian soldiers since February 24. A first trial opened this week. Life imprisonment was requested against Vadim Chchimarine, 21, who admitted killing a 62-year-old man.

"We condemn the actions of the Russian government and call on it to stop its illegal invasion"

"We support Ukraine's quest for justice and through other international investigations, including the International Criminal Court" and other bodies, the five Western countries said in their joint statement.

“We together condemn the actions of the Russian government and call on it to cease all violations of international law, to stop its illegal invasion and to cooperate” in order to be held accountable, they write.