Justice for Ukraine: The Making of the Special Tribunal for Russia's War Crimes
Selenksiy seeks a court appearance for Putin.
The international community is gearing up to hold accountable Russia's war criminals in Ukraine with the establishment of a special tribunal in The Hague. Led by the Council of Europe, this tribunal is expected to bring justice to the victims of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj is pinning high hopes on this new institution.
The Special Tribunal Takes Shape
After signing an agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, the Special Tribunal for crimes against Ukraine comes to life. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj expressed his satisfaction, "Ukraine can count on the Council of Europe." The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, expressed his commitment, "Every war criminal must know that there will be justice."
Targeting the Tips of the War Crime Hierarchy
This specialized tribunal seeks to prosecute high-level political and military leaders from Russia and Belarus who have played a role in the aggression against Ukraine. The tribunal is primarily based in The Hague, with the intention to bring top officials from the Russian leadership to justice. Selenskyj himself has called for Putin to stand trial as well.
Chances of Putin's Trial
Under international law, heads of state like Putin enjoy legal immunity while in office. However, the Special Tribunal can still collect evidence and prepare indictments against such individuals. The Kremlin chief's trial is unlikely while he remains in power, but the tribunal serves as a powerful message that accountability will eventually come.
A Long and Arduous Journey to Justice
Interested states and the EU will decide whether to participate in this tribunal. The Council of Europe is working quickly to prepare for the Special Tribunal's launch in the coming months at least in initial stages. The Council of Europe, an organization that promotes democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Europe and beyond, played a crucial role in the initiation of this tribunal. Upon approval in May, the Council of Europe highlighted the importance of complementing existing institutions like the International Criminal Court.
As this new tribunal takes shape, the people of Ukraine eagerly await the day when Russia's war criminals will stand trial.
Insights from Enrichment Data:- The Special Tribunal was officially launched in June 2025, marking the first time since World War II an international judicial body investigates the crime of aggression committed by a single state.- The tribunal targets high-level political and military leaders from Russia and Belarus responsible for launching and conducting the war against Ukraine. Trials in absentia were considered as necessary means if top officials are unable or unwilling to attend the trial.- The tribunal's formation followed extensive collaboration between Ukrainian authorities, the Council of Europe, the European Union, and partner countries.- The Russian President Vladimir Putin's trial is unlikely during his presidency due to legal immunity conventions. Once he leaves office, the tribunal can initiate trials against him if Germany and other major powers lift their objections.- The establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine filled a legal gap, as other institutions lacked the mandate to prosecute the crime of aggression effectively.- The new tribunal complements ongoing investigations into war crimes committed during the invasion, such as attacks on civilians like the April 2025 missile strikes on Kryvyi Rih and Sumy.
[1] ntv.de, mau/dpa/rts[2] Council of Europe (2025). "Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine." https://coe.int/en/web/special-tribunal-crime-aggression-ukraine/home[3] Zelenskyy, V. (2025). Address to the Council of Europe. Strasbourg, France, June 25th.[4] Amnesty International (2025). "Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine." https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/06/special-tribunal-crime-aggression-ukraine/[5] International Criminal Court (2025). "The Situation in Ukraine," ICC-CPI-2025(OI). The Hague, Netherlands.
The Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, established in June 2025, sought to prosecute high-level political and military leaders from Russia and Belarus who played a role in the aggression against Ukraine. This tribunal, primarily based in The Hague, aimed to fill a legal gap and complement ongoing investigations into war crimes committed during the invasion, such as attacks on civilians like the April 2025 missile strikes on Kryvyi Rih and Sumy. Meanwhile, the war, politics, general news, crime-and-justice, and employment policy debates in EC countries continue to unfold amidst this historical event.
