EU Advances Legal Framework for Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression

The European Commission and 37 states finalize a draft statute for a tribunal to hold Russian leaders accountable for the invasion of Ukraine.

The European Commission, Council of Europe, Ukraine, and 37 nations have presented the Schuman draft Statute, laying the groundwork for a Special Tribunal on Russian aggression.
The tribunal aims to prosecute Russian political and military leaders, including Vladimir Putin, for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
The Council of Europe will host the tribunal, which will operate under agreements with Ukraine and address evidence collected since the war began in 2022.
A separate International Claims Commission is being developed to compensate victims of the war, with negotiations set to begin in late March.
Officials emphasize the tribunal as a step toward global justice, signaling accountability for aggression and deterring future violations of international law.