Zelensky establishes tribunal to hold Russian leaders accountable for aggression

Ukraine recently took a significant step towards holding Russian leaders accountable for their actions during the ongoing conflict that began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. On June 25, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended a meeting in Strasbourg, France, where he signed an agreement with the Council of Europe to establish a special tribunal dedicated specifically to prosecuting senior Russian officials for the crime of aggression. This tribunal aims to address the legal gaps that existing international courts, such as the International Criminal Court, face when it comes to prosecuting acts of aggression, particularly those committed by a non-signatory state like Russia. As such, while the ICC has jurisdiction over war crimes and crimes against humanity, it lacks authority to adjudicate the crime of aggression as applicable to Russia under its own rules, thus necessitating the establishment of the special tribunal. The special tribunal will focus not only on prosecuting Russian military actions that have resulted in civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure but specifically on the overarching decision to invade Ukraine, which constitutes the core of the crime of aggression. The process of establishing this tribunal reflects Ukraine's persistent efforts since the invasion to seek justice for the actions of Russian forces, including those alleged war crimes against civilians. The initiative has garnered support from various nations, including members of the Core Group which funds the tribunal, affirming a united front in advocating for accountability in the face of the ongoing conflict. Zelensky expressed the significance of justice during the signing ceremony, emphasizing that every war criminal must face the consequences of their actions. He articulated a broader message of deterrence, asserting that aggression must lead to punishment in order to uphold international law and human rights. The tribunal's mandate will thus send a clear message not only to Russia but to the global community about the importance of upholding justice and accountability in conflict situations. However, logistical details regarding the tribunal's location and operational parameters remain unresolved. The Hague has been suggested due to its established legal framework, but a final decision has not yet been reached. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the prosecution of high-ranking officials like President Vladimir Putin, who may enjoy immunity from prosecution while in office, creating complexities in enforcing accountability. Nevertheless, the international community continues to support Ukraine's pursuit of justice, recognizing the need for mechanisms that can address the crime of aggression and prevent the normalisation of such violations in the future.