36 Nations Back Special Tribunal for Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
The European Union and 36 additional countries have formally committed to establishing a Special Tribunal for Crimes of Aggression against Ukraine. Announced by the Council of Europe, this initiative aims to prosecute Russian leadership for initiating the invasion, addressing a jurisdictional gap in the International Criminal Court. While major European nations will finance the court, potentially located in The Hague, several states including Hungary and Turkey declined to join. This multilateral effort marks a significant step toward legal accountability for violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Ukraine FM: Special Tribunal Will Secure Putin's Place in History
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced in Chișinău that the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine will ensure Russian President Vladimir Putin achieves his desire to go down in history, albeit through legal accountability. The announcement followed a key decision on May 15, where Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset handed Sybiha legal confirmation that 36 member states and the European Union have joined the agreement establishing the tribunal's Steering Committee. Sybiha emphasized that punishing the crime of aggression is essential for restoring the moral foundation of Europe and breaking a historical cycle of impunity for atrocities suffered by Ukraine. He stated that top Russian officials, including Putin, Shoigu, and Gerasimov, along with Belarusian leader Lukashenko, have effectively received their tickets to The Hague. The Ukrainian Presidential Office expects the tribunal to begin operations next year. This development marks a significant step in international efforts to hold Russian leadership accountable for the invasion, framing justice as a crucial component for future trust and dignity in the region.
Ukrainska PravdaExpert: International Law Will Eventually Hold Putin Accountable
Mark Ellis, Executive Director of the International Bar Association, stated that international law will ultimately ensure Russian President Vladimir Putin faces accountability for his actions. While sitting heads of state typically enjoy immunity under customary international law, this protection does not apply before international criminal courts like the ICC, which has already issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes. Ellis highlighted the role of the proposed Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Although its statute does not recognize head-of-state immunity, a political compromise requires that proceedings be suspended and no arrest warrant issued while Putin remains in office. However, indictments can be prepared, and there is no statute of limitations for these crimes. Ellis described recent meetings of the Council of Europe in Chișinău as a critical step in transitioning the tribunal from an institutional concept to an operational reality. He emphasized that this development is vital for upholding fundamental principles of international law and ensuring justice for Ukraine. The Netherlands has reportedly designated a location in The Hague for the tribunal's initial phase.
Latest newsCyprus Joins European Initiative for Special Tribunal Against Putin
Cyprus has joined 35 other nations in supporting the establishment of a special international tribunal designed to prosecute Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior officials for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This agreement was formalized during the annual meeting of foreign ministers of the Council of Europe, with the court scheduled to operate from The Hague. The initiative aims to address a legal loophole preventing the International Criminal Court from prosecuting aggression crimes involving Russia, as Moscow is not a signatory to the Rome Statute. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha hailed the move as a historic step toward accountability, likening it to the Nuremberg trials. While the European Union endorsed the tribunal and pledged €10 million, four member states—Hungary, Slovakia, Malta, and Bulgaria—did not sign the resolution. The tribunal will focus on high-level political and military figures directing the invasion. Although proceedings cannot commence in absentia while defendants remain in office, indictments may still be issued. Council of Europe Secretary-General Alain Berset urged swift legislative action to enable the court's operation, emphasizing that justice is essential for any future peace settlement.
Cyprus Mail36 Nations Back Special Tribunal to Prosecute Russia for Aggression in Ukraine
Thirty-four European states, along with Australia, Costa Rica, and the European Union, have formally expressed their intention to join a proposed special tribunal aimed at prosecuting Russia for the crime of aggression regarding its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This decision follows a resolution approved by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers during a meeting in Chisinau. The tribunal seeks to address the legal gap left by the International Criminal Court, which lacks jurisdiction over the act of aggression itself, although it has issued warrants for specific war crimes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously signed an accord with the Council of Europe to establish this legal body. Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset emphasized that the tribunal represents justice and urged immediate action to secure its funding and functionality. While the majority of member states support the initiative, twelve countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey, and Serbia, have not yet joined the agreement. The tribunal could theoretically try senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, marking a significant step in international efforts to hold Moscow accountable for the war.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesOver 30 Nations Join Plan for Special Tribunal to Prosecute Russia for Ukraine Invasion
More than 30 countries, including most Council of Europe members, along with Australia, Costa Rica, and the EU, have signed an agreement in Chisinau, Moldova, to establish a special tribunal aimed at prosecuting Russia for crimes committed during its invasion of Ukraine. The initiative, described by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha as historic, seeks to address accountability gaps left by the International Criminal Court (ICC), particularly regarding the crime of aggression and reparations. While the ICC has issued arrest warrants for specific war crimes, this new tribunal targets the fundamental decision to launch the invasion. The Netherlands will host the initial phase of the tribunal in The Hague. However, challenges remain regarding enforcement, as Russia is not a member of the Council of Europe and is unlikely to cooperate. Notable absentees from the signatory list include Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey, and several Balkan nations. The agreement comes amidst ongoing violence, highlighted by a recent deadly Russian missile strike in Kyiv, underscoring the urgent call for justice and accountability articulated by Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset.
Deutsche WelleOver 30 Nations Join Plan for Special Tribunal to Prosecute Russia for Ukraine Invasion
More than 30 countries, along with the European Union, have formally committed to establishing a special tribunal aimed at prosecuting Russia for crimes related to its invasion of Ukraine. The agreement was reached during talks in Chisinau, Moldova, where most Council of Europe member states approved a resolution to create the legal framework. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the move as historic, comparing it to the Nuremberg trials, while emphasizing that accountability is non-negotiable. The Netherlands has agreed to host the initial phase of the tribunal in The Hague. Unlike the International Criminal Court, which focuses on individual war crimes, this new body aims to address the broader crime of aggression and issues of reparations. However, challenges remain regarding enforcement, as Russia is unlikely to cooperate or extradite officials. Notable absentees from the signatory list include Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey, and several Balkan nations. The announcement coincides with heightened tensions following a deadly Russian missile strike in Kyiv, underscoring the urgent context for these diplomatic efforts to ensure justice for wartime atrocities.
Deutsche WelleDozens of European countries sign up to special tribunal plan to prosecute Russia for Ukraine invasion
On May 15, 2026, at talks in Chisinau, Moldova, 34 European countries plus Australia, Costa Rica and the European Union signed up to a future special tribunal to prosecute Russia for crimes committed during its invasion of Ukraine. The Council of Europe approved a resolution laying the groundwork for the tribunal, which will be hosted initially in The Hague, Netherlands. The tribunal is designed to prosecute issues beyond the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction, such as the decision to launch the invasion and reparations. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it a historic day, comparing it to the Nuremberg trials. However, 12 member states including Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Malta, and several Balkan countries have not joined. Critics question how the tribunal will enforce prosecutions given Russia's non-cooperation. The announcement came a day after a Russian missile strike on a Kyiv apartment building killed 24 people.
Deutsche Welle36 Countries Sign Agreement to Establish Special Tribunal for Aggression Against Ukraine
On May 15, 2026, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers approved an agreement to establish a steering committee for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine during a meeting in Chisinau. Thirty-six countries, along with the European Union as an institution, signed the agreement, marking a significant step toward holding Russia accountable for its actions. Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset described the move as decisive, emphasizing the need to secure funding and operational functionality for the tribunal. While informally referred to as the "tribunal for Putin," the statute explicitly prohibits charging sitting heads of state, meaning Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top officials cannot be tried while in office. However, other military personnel and officials remain liable for prosecution. Signatory nations must now complete domestic ratification procedures before the tribunal can begin selecting judges, appointing a prosecutor, and adopting rules of procedure. This development follows the initial launch of the establishment process in May 2025, representing a major international legal effort to address the conflict.
Meduza.io36 Countries Sign Agreement to Establish Special Tribunal for Aggression Against Ukraine
On May 15, 2026, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers approved an agreement to establish a steering committee for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine during a meeting in Chisinau. Thirty-six countries, along with the European Union as an institution, signed the agreement, marking a significant step toward holding Russia accountable for its aggression. Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset described the move as decisive, emphasizing the need to secure funding and operational functionality for the tribunal. While informally referred to as the “tribunal for Putin,” the statute explicitly prohibits charging sitting heads of state, meaning Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top officials cannot be tried while in office. However, other military personnel and officials remain liable for prosecution. Signatory nations must now complete domestic ratification procedures before the tribunal can begin selecting judges, appointing a prosecutor, and adopting rules of procedure. The steering committee is mandated to meet at least annually to oversee the establishment process, which was initially launched in May 2025.
Meduza.ioDozens of Countries Pledge Support for Special Tribunal to Prosecute Russian Leaders for Ukraine Invasion
A coalition comprising 34 European nations, Australia, Costa Rica, and the European Union has pledged support for a special tribunal designed to prosecute Russian leadership for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers approved a resolution establishing the legal framework for this court, aiming to address a significant jurisdictional gap in international law. While the International Criminal Court (ICC) can pursue war crimes charges, it currently lacks the authority to prosecute the act of initiating war itself. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, emphasized the urgent need to secure funding and operational capacity for the tribunal. This initiative follows an agreement between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Council of Europe. Although the tribunal was initially expected to launch earlier, current efforts focus on building international consensus. Notably, four EU member states—Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Malta—have not joined the coalition, nor have other Council of Europe members like Turkey and Serbia. Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe in 2022 following its full-scale invasion.
The Moscow Times - Independent News From RussiaDozens of Countries Pledge Support for Special Tribunal to Prosecute Russian Leaders for Ukraine Invasion
A coalition comprising 34 European nations, Australia, Costa Rica, and the European Union has pledged support for a special tribunal designed to prosecute Russian leadership for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers approved a resolution establishing the legal framework for this court, aiming to address a specific gap in international law where the International Criminal Court (ICC) lacks jurisdiction over the act of initiating war. While the ICC pursues arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin regarding specific war crimes, this new tribunal targets the broader crime of aggression. Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset emphasized the urgency of securing funding and operational capacity for the court. The agreement builds on a prior accord between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Council of Europe. Notably, four EU member states—Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Malta—did not sign the agreement, nor did several other Council of Europe members including Turkey and Serbia. This development marks a significant step in international efforts to hold Russian officials accountable for the invasion launched in February 2022.
The Moscow Times - Independent News From Russia36 Nations Approve Creation of Special Tribunal to Prosecute Russia for Ukraine Invasion
Thirty-four European states, along with Australia, Costa Rica, and the European Union, have formally expressed their intention to join a future special tribunal designed to prosecute Russia for the crime of aggression regarding its invasion of Ukraine. This development follows a resolution approved by the Council of Ministers, which comprises foreign ministers from the Council of Europe's 46 member states. The legal framework builds upon an accord signed last year between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Council of Europe. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, emphasized that the time for holding Russia accountable is approaching, describing the tribunal as a symbol of justice and hope. He urged immediate action to secure the court's functioning and funding. This diplomatic milestone represents a significant step in international efforts to establish legal accountability for the conflict launched in February 2022, uniting a broad coalition of nations behind a specialized judicial mechanism.
News - South China Morning PostThirty-six Countries Approve Special Tribunal for Ukraine to Prosecute Russian Aggression
Thirty-four European states, along with Australia, Costa Rica, and the European Union, have formally expressed their intention to join a special tribunal aimed at prosecuting Russia for the crime of aggression in Ukraine. This development follows a resolution approved by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, laying the legal groundwork for the court. The initiative stems from an accord signed in 2025 between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Council of Europe. While the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and other commanders for war crimes, it lacks jurisdiction over the fundamental act of launching the invasion. The new tribunal is designed to fill this legal gap, potentially trying senior Russian leadership. Council of Europe Secretary-General Alain Berset emphasized that the time for accountability is approaching, urging members to secure funding and operational functionality. However, twelve member states, including Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey, and Serbia, have not yet joined the agreement. The tribunal was initially scheduled to begin operations in 2026, marking a significant step in international efforts to ensure justice for Ukraine.
The Straits Times World NewsNetherlands Plans Special Tribunal in The Hague to Prosecute Putin for Ukraine War Crimes
The Netherlands is leading an international effort to establish a special tribunal in The Hague to prosecute war crimes and aggression related to the war in Ukraine, with operations potentially beginning by 2028. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen emphasized that perpetrators must not escape impunity, announcing that 36 countries have expressed support for the initiative under the patronage of the Council of Europe. The tribunal will utilize the former UN Yugoslavia Tribunal building, with preparations involving 40 to 50 legal staff over three years. Major European nations, including Germany, France, Italy, and the UK, are expected to provide primary financing. Although Vladimir Putin was indicted by the International Criminal Court in 2023, this new special court will specifically address the crime of aggression. Given Russia's non-participation, the tribunal is authorized to conduct trials and issue convictions in absentia. Justice Minister van Weel noted that while Putin may not remain president indefinitely, the legal framework ensures accountability regardless of his political status. This move represents a significant step in international law to address state-led aggression in Europe.
DiePresse.com - HomeEU and 36 Nations Back Special Court for Crimes of Aggression Against Ukraine
The European Union and 36 additional countries have formally committed to supporting the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Crimes of Aggression Against Ukraine. This commitment was announced via a written statement by the Council of Europe during the Annual Meeting of its Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Chisinau, Moldova. The participating nations declared their intention to join a new Extended Partial Agreement designed to facilitate the creation of this judicial body. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, described the move as a decisive step toward holding those responsible for aggression against Ukraine accountable, noting that the time for accountability is approaching. The initiative builds upon an agreement signed in June 2025 in Strasbourg, France, between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Berset. This earlier accord established the framework for a special court under the Council of Europe's umbrella to adjudicate crimes violating Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The development marks a significant multilateral effort to ensure legal consequences for actions taken during the conflict.
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