Fact Check: New tribunal could hold Putin accountable after he leaves office.

Fact Check: New tribunal could hold Putin accountable after he leaves office

What We Know

On June 26, 2025, Ukraine and the Council of Europe signed an agreement to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. This tribunal aims to hold accountable those responsible for the ongoing aggression, including high-ranking officials like Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the tribunal's statute explicitly states that heads of state and government will bear responsibility for their actions, with no mention of personal immunities, implying that they will not escape accountability even after leaving office (source-1).

However, current international law provides legal immunity to sitting officials, meaning that while the tribunal can prepare cases against leaders like Putin, actual prosecution cannot occur until they leave office (source-4). The tribunal will work in conjunction with the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has its limitations regarding prosecuting the crime of aggression unless both involved states have ratified the Rome Statute (source-6).

Analysis

The claim that a new tribunal could hold Putin accountable after he leaves office is partially true. The tribunal is indeed designed to address the crimes of aggression committed by high-ranking officials, including Putin. The agreement signed by Zelenskyy emphasizes that these leaders will face justice, which is a significant step towards accountability (source-1). However, the reality of international law complicates this assertion. As noted by legal experts, sitting officials enjoy immunity, which means that while the tribunal can prepare for future prosecutions, it cannot act until those officials are no longer in power (source-4).

The credibility of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, as they include official statements from the Ukrainian government and reputable news outlets. However, the interpretation of legal frameworks and the implications of the tribunal's establishment vary among experts, indicating a need for cautious optimism regarding its effectiveness (source-6).

Conclusion

The claim that a new tribunal could hold Putin accountable after he leaves office is Partially True. While the tribunal represents a significant step towards accountability for Russian aggression, the legal immunity that protects sitting officials like Putin means that actual prosecution cannot occur until they leave office. Therefore, while the framework for accountability is being established, the practical implications remain limited by current international law.

Fact Check: New tribunal could hold Putin accountable after he leaves office.