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2d ago

Ukraine and Allies Formally Endorse Special Tribunal to Prosecute Russian Aggression

The Lviv Statement, backed by 42 countries, advances efforts to hold Russian leaders accountable for war crimes, with tribunal operations expected to begin next year.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends an interview on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers meeting in La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada March 14, 2025. SAUL LOEB/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
EU foreign ministers gathered in Lviv in a show of support for Ukraine
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal shake hands as they pose for a picture during a Ukraine-EU meeting, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Lviv, Ukraine May 9, 2025. Press service of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS
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Overview

  • Foreign ministers from the EU, U.K., and Ukraine signed the Lviv Statement, endorsing the creation of a special tribunal under the Council of Europe to prosecute Russian officials for aggression and war crimes.
  • The tribunal, supported by 42 nations, including all EU members except Hungary and Slovakia, aims to address the accountability gap left by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
  • While Russian leaders like Vladimir Putin currently enjoy immunity while in office, the tribunal will gather evidence and prepare indictments for future prosecution.
  • The tribunal's establishment builds on years of international legal efforts, including ICC arrest warrants and rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
  • Pending formal approval by two-thirds of Council of Europe member states, the tribunal is expected to begin operations in 2026.