Fact Check: The Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine Aims to Prosecute Russian Leadership
What We Know
The Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine is an international criminal tribunal established to prosecute individuals responsible for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This tribunal was officially created on June 25, 2025, through an agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, with a specific mandate to address the crime of aggression, which is defined as the use of armed force by one state against another in violation of the UN Charter (source-1).
The tribunal's creation followed calls from various international bodies, including the Council of Europe, the European Commission, and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, all advocating for a legal mechanism to hold Russian leaders accountable for their actions in Ukraine (source-1). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the importance of this tribunal, stating that it aims to ensure accountability for war crimes and aggression, specifically targeting Russian leadership, including President Vladimir Putin (source-2).
Analysis
The establishment of the Special Tribunal is a significant development in international law and accountability. It fills a critical gap in the current legal framework, as the International Criminal Court (ICC) lacks jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression in this context due to the absence of ratification of the relevant amendments by Ukraine and Russia (source-1). The tribunal is designed to specifically target senior political and military leaders of Russia, thus focusing on those who bear the greatest responsibility for the conflict (source-4).
The tribunal's credibility is bolstered by the support of multiple international organizations and the legal framework established by the Council of Europe. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the potential immunity of sitting heads of state, which could complicate the prosecution of leaders like Putin while they remain in power (source-2). Nevertheless, the tribunal's mandate is clear: it is intended to prosecute the crime of aggression, which is inherently a leadership crime, as only those in positions of power can initiate such actions (source-5).
Conclusion
The claim that the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine aims to prosecute Russian leadership is True. The tribunal has been explicitly established to hold accountable those responsible for the aggression against Ukraine, particularly targeting senior Russian officials, including President Putin. The legal framework and international support for this initiative underscore its significance in the pursuit of justice for the ongoing conflict.
Sources
- Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine
- Opinion | Justice is coming for Vladimir Putin
- What is the special tribunal for Ukraine that world leaders have backed
- Frequently Asked Questions - Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression
- Zelenskyy approves special tribunal plans to prosecute Russian leaders over Ukraine invasion
