Fact Check: Ukraine Establishes Special Tribunal for Russian Aggression with Council of Europe
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 agreement was signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset in Strasbourg, marking a significant step in international efforts to hold Russian officials accountable for their actions during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine (source-1, source-4). The tribunal aims to prosecute senior Russian and Belarusian leaders for their roles in the aggression against Ukraine, which has been ongoing since 2014, with a full-scale invasion commencing in 2022 (source-2).
The tribunal is designed to operate alongside the International Criminal Court (ICC) and will not be limited by state immunity, meaning that high-ranking officials can be prosecuted even after leaving office (source-1). The establishment of the tribunal has been supported by numerous countries and international bodies, including the European Union and NATO, which have recognized the need for such a mechanism to ensure accountability for war crimes (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Ukraine has established a Special Tribunal for Russian Aggression in collaboration with the Council of Europe is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The signing of the agreement is reported by both official statements from the Ukrainian government and reputable news outlets, confirming the details of the agreement and its implications for international law (source-1, source-3, source-7).
The tribunal's establishment has been a topic of discussion since 2022, with various international bodies advocating for its creation. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and other organizations have called for mechanisms to prosecute the crime of aggression, which underscores the tribunal's legitimacy and necessity (source-2). However, some legal experts have raised concerns about the practical challenges the tribunal may face, such as the ability to secure the presence of defendants and the potential for issues related to international cooperation (source-2).
Despite these concerns, the tribunal represents a significant development in international law and accountability for war crimes, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The support from a coalition of countries and international organizations further strengthens the tribunal's foundation and potential effectiveness.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Ukraine has established a Special Tribunal for Russian Aggression in collaboration with the Council of Europe is accurate. The formal agreement was signed on June 26, 2025, and is supported by a broad coalition of nations and international bodies. While there are challenges ahead, the establishment of this tribunal marks a critical step toward accountability for the crimes committed during the conflict.
Sources
- Ukraine and the Council of Europe Sign Agreement on ... Link
- Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine Link
- Ukraine, European rights body sign accord for tribunal on Russian ... Link
- Ukraine and the Council of Europe sign Agreement on establishing a ... Link
- Ukraine: Establishment of the special tribunal for the crime of ... Link
- Zelensky and Council of Europe rights body sign accord for Ukraine war ... Link
