37 States Back Russia Tribunal as Kyiv Strike Kills 24
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · May 15
37 States Back Russia Tribunal as Kyiv Strike Kills 24
9 articles · Updated · DW (English) · May 15
Thirty-seven states across three continents — 34 European countries plus Australia, Costa Rica and the EU — endorsed a Council of Europe resolution to set up a special tribunal over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The tribunal would target the crime of aggression — the decision to launch the war — an area the International Criminal Court says falls beyond its reach, while also supporting reparations efforts.
The Netherlands agreed to host the tribunal’s initial phase in The Hague, but its reach faces a practical obstacle: Russia is outside the framework and typically does not extradite its citizens.
Twelve Council of Europe members have not joined, including EU states Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Malta, as backers press for funding and wider participation.
The move came a day after a Russian missile strike on a Kyiv apartment block killed 24 people, a backdrop Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s foreign minister used to argue the tribunal is urgently needed.
Without full Western support, will the Special Tribunal have the power to enforce its judgments against Moscow?
With Putin immune while in office, can this new 'Nuremberg' tribunal truly deliver justice for Ukraine's invasion?
Holding Leaders Accountable: The Special Tribunal for Aggression Against Ukraine and Its Implications for Global Justice
Overview
The Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine is moving from concept to reality, with its first phase set in The Hague. Supported by the European Union and guided by a dedicated Management Committee, the tribunal is building strong management structures to ensure effective operation. Its main goal is to prosecute those responsible for the crime of aggression, addressing a major gap in international law known as the 'original sin'—the act that starts unlawful wars. By filling this gap, the tribunal aims to set new standards for accountability and reinforce the global commitment to justice.