36 Nations Back Special Tribunal to Prosecute Vladimir Putin for Aggression Against Ukraine

Thirty-six countries, predominantly European, have signed a resolution during the Council of Europe Foreign Ministers' meeting to establish a special tribunal for trying Russian President Vladimir Putin for aggression against Ukraine. Scheduled to operate in The Hague under the Council of Europe's coordination, the tribunal aims to address jurisdictional gaps left by the International Criminal Court. The initiative was formalized on May 15, 2026, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiga describing it as a historic point of no return for legal accountability. Signatories include most EU members, though Bulgaria, Hungary, Malta, and Slovakia abstained, alongside non-European nations Australia and Costa Rica. The European Union has pledged 10 million euros, while Secretary General Alain Berset urged rapid legislative finalization. The tribunal will be supported by a Claims Register and an International Commission for Compensation Claims to assist victims. Concerns regarding funding persist due to the lack of US involvement under the Trump administration, which has previously pursued peace deals potentially involving amnesty. This move marks a significant step in international efforts to hold Russian leadership accountable for war crimes and aggression.