Zelenskyy Signs Accord With Council of Europe To Create Russia War Crimes Tribunal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed an agreement with the Council of Europe to establish a Special Tribunal to prosecute crimes of aggression committed by Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. The tribunal, to be based in The Hague, aims to bring senior Russian officials, potentially including President Vladimir Putin, to justice, although trials in absentia may be necessary due to legal immunity for sitting heads of state. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of legal accountability, comparing the tribunal to the Nuremberg trials, and called for unity between Europe and the United States, highlighting the need for strong political and legal courage to ensure all war criminals are held responsible. Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset stressed that international law must apply universally without exceptions, and the tribunal could begin work next year with broader support from European countries and the EU. The tribunal will focus on the crime of aggression as defined by the UN Charter and could also hold accountable other individuals who played significant roles in the conflict. This initiative marks the first time the Council of Europe is establishing such a tribunal, underscoring a significant legal step in addressing the ongoing conflict.