Overview

• The Lviv Statement, signed on May 9, 2025, officially endorses the creation of a special tribunal under the Council of Europe to address the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
• The tribunal will focus on prosecuting approximately 20-30 top political and military leaders from Russia, Belarus, and North Korea responsible for planning and executing the invasion.
• Legal formalization and preparatory work, including appointing judges and prosecutors, will be completed this year, with operations expected to begin in early 2026.
• The tribunal aims to fill the jurisdictional gap left by the International Criminal Court, which cannot prosecute aggression by non-member states like Russia.
• In conjunction with the tribunal's endorsement, the EU pledged €1 billion to bolster Ukraine's defense industry, reinforcing its support for the nation’s sovereignty and security.