EU to Co-Found Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression Against Ukraine, Including Putin
The EU decided to co-found a special tribunal on Russia's aggression against Ukraine, including Putin. The EU Council approved the decision on May 5 to sign the agreement. After ratification, the EU will join and play a key role. A vote is expected on May 14-15.
The European Union has decided to become a co-founder of a special tribunal concerning Russia's crime of aggression against Ukraine. On May 5, the EU Council approved the decision to sign an expanded partial agreement for this tribunal, which will target Russia's top political and military leadership, including Vladimir Putin.
Following approval by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the European Union will sign the agreement. Subsequently, once a sufficient number of Council of Europe member states express their intention to join, the European Commission will submit a proposal to the EU Council. After the European Parliament's consent and ratification by the EU Council, the European Union will officially join the special tribunal as a co-founder and play a leading role in its activities and steering committee.
The special tribunal is being established under the auspices of the Council of Europe, following the signing of an agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe on June 25, 2025. Twenty-four countries have already expressed their desire to join the expanded partial agreement. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced that this agreement will be put to a vote at the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on May 14-15 in Chisinau.