U.S. potentially to align with the unique court trial regarding Russia, as stated by Kallas.
new hope for special tribunal against Russia
Kaja Kallas, the EU's top foreign affairs official, has voiced optimism about the United States joining the proposed "special tribunal" against Russia. In an interview with "Ukrinform," Kallas expressed enthusiastic remarks, stating, "Our coalition of states is set, and I'm pleased to see the technical work for the creation of this tribunal is complete." She further stated that the US has been an essential partner in this coalition for the past two years and expressed hope for their continued collaboration.
Originally, 20 EU countries backed the idea of creating this tribunal to prosecute Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials. According to Reuters, these representatives came together in Lviv on May 9, at Ukraine's invitation. The "tribunal" will be established within the Council of Europe – the primary European body for monitoring human rights observance.
However, Russia has maintained its innocence regarding allegations of war crimes in Ukraine. Upon learning of the European coalition's plans, Russian President's press secretary Dmitry Peskov remained unmoved, stating, "We do not react to this" (TASS).
The proposed tribunal has gained significant international support, with at least 37 states aligning themselves with Ukraine in backing the initiative. The tribunal is set to operate under the Council of Europe framework to adhere to international law and human rights standards. Its financing will be managed through an Enlarged Partial Agreement with the Council of Europe. The tribunal's objective is to prosecute around 20 to 30 Russian political and military leaders for crimes of aggression against Ukraine. It is designed to operate in conjunction with the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has already issued international arrest warrants for several Russian leaders, including Putin. The tribunal, if successful, could potentially be operational as early as the second half of 2025. Despite legal challenges, the tribunal is seen as a crucial step towards holding Russian leaders accountable once they are no longer in office.
- Kaja Kallas is optimistic about the United States supporting the special tribunal against Russia, expressing her enthusiasm about their continued collaboration.
- The proposed special tribunal, aimed at prosecuting Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials, will be established within the Council of Europe.
- The creation of this tribunal has gained significant international support, with at least 37 states aligning themselves with Ukraine in backing the initiative.
- The proposed tribunal intends to prosecute political and military leaders for crimes of aggression against Ukraine and may operate in conjunction with the International Criminal Court.
- The tribunal's objective is to hold Russian leaders accountable once they are no longer in office, potentially becoming operational as early as the second half of 2025, despite legal challenges.
