Fact Check: Zelenskyy's visit marks a historic agreement for accountability in Ukraine.

Fact Check: "Zelenskyy's visit marks a historic agreement for accountability in Ukraine."

What We Know

On June 25, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an agreement with Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. This agreement is seen as a significant step towards ensuring accountability for war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict with Russia. According to the official statement, President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for justice, stating that "every war criminal must know: there will be justice, and that includes Russia." The tribunal aims to address the crime of aggression, which the International Criminal Court (ICC) currently cannot prosecute due to jurisdictional limitations (Council of Europe).

The agreement was endorsed by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, which consists of representatives from its 46 member states. This endorsement highlights the broad international support for the establishment of the tribunal (Ukrainian World Congress). The tribunal is intended to fill the gap left by existing international legal frameworks, providing a mechanism to hold individuals accountable for the crime of aggression against Ukraine (Kyiv Independent).

Analysis

The claim that Zelenskyy's visit marks a historic agreement for accountability in Ukraine is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The agreement's signing during Zelenskyy's official visit to the Council of Europe is a pivotal moment in international law, as it establishes a dedicated tribunal for crimes of aggression, which has been a long-standing demand from Ukraine and its allies (Independent, Espresso).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this event is high. The official website of the President of Ukraine provides direct statements from Zelenskyy and outlines the significance of the tribunal ([source-1]). The Council of Europe's announcement also reflects a formal and institutional perspective on the agreement, reinforcing its legitimacy ([source-3]). Furthermore, the Ukrainian World Congress, an organization advocating for Ukrainian interests, has consistently supported the establishment of such a tribunal, adding weight to the claim of its historical significance ([source-4]).

However, some sources note that while the tribunal represents a step forward, it may not be able to prosecute high-ranking officials, including President Putin, while he remains in office (EuroMaiden Press). This limitation could affect the tribunal's perceived effectiveness and the broader goal of accountability.

Conclusion

The claim that Zelenskyy's visit marks a historic agreement for accountability in Ukraine is True. The establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine represents a significant advancement in international law and accountability for war crimes. The broad support from international bodies and the specific legal framework established by this agreement underscore its historical importance.

Sources

1. Official website of the President of Ukraine
2. Login
3. Ukraine and the Council of Europe sign Agreement on ...
4. Ukraine and Council of Europe agree to create tribunal for ...
5. Agreement signed to establish Special Tribunal for Crime ...
6. Ukraine, Council of Europe sign historic agreement to ...
7. Ukraine and Europe launch war tribunal — just not for Putin
8. Ukraine signs deal to set up Special Tribunal for Russian ...