Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed an agreement with the Council of Europe to establish a tribunal that can prosecute senior Russian officials responsible for the war in Ukraine. The accord was signed alongside CoE Secretary General Alain Berset in Strasbourg, France.
The Ukrainian leader views the tribunal as crucial in holding Russian officials accountable for the invasion of his country, which began in February 2022. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and several high-profile figures.
The new tribunal will focus on the crime of aggression, specifically regarding the use of armed force by one state against another. This marks the first time that the CoE has set up such a tribunal. Zelensky emphasized the need to ensure justice for victims and punish those responsible.
The ICC had previously issued arrest warrants for Russian officials accused of war crimes, including the illegal deportation of children from occupied Ukraine areas. Ceasefire negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and third countries have stalled due to Moscow’s refusal to back down on maximalist demands.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/26/europe/zelensky-ukraine-special-tribunal-intl