Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset signed the agreement in Strasbourg to establish a Special Tribunal for the aggression committed by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, IPN reports.
“This tribunal creates a real opportunity to hold the leadership of the Russian regime accountable for the crimes committed against our state and our people. We will continue working to secure justice for all victims.” Zelensky declared after signing the agreement that authorities must try the perpetrators in The Hague and punish them.
Before the ceremony, Alain Berset stated that “justice for Ukraine will not wait,” emphasizing that this tribunal marks the first time the international community has established a court specifically to address the crime of aggression. “Established within the Council of Europe, this tribunal will hold accountable those who used force in violation of the UN Charter,” Berset emphasized, as cited by Euronews.
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The initiative began on May 9 in Lviv, where Core Group foreign ministers signed a declaration for establishing the special tribunal on aggression against Ukraine. Among the signatory countries is the Republic of Moldova.
The trials may proceed with or without the defendants present. Courts may impose prison sentences of up to 30 years and, in the most severe cases, life imprisonment. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin remains personally immune from prosecution as long as he holds office.