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The Council of Europe has approved the creation of a Special Tribunal to prosecute Russia’s crime of aggression against Ukraine. So far, 36 countries have agreed to join the initiative, with the number of participating states expected to continue growing.
Alain Berset said the moment of accountability for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is drawing closer as dozens of countries move toward formally launching the Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression.
Speaking during the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Chișinău, Berset stated that participating countries had taken a decisive step toward establishing the tribunal, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.
“States have taken a decisive step toward the actual creation of the Special Tribunal and recognition of responsibility for the aggression against Ukraine,” Berset said.
According to him, the tribunal represents both justice and hope, but countries must now move quickly to complete national procedures necessary for the mechanism to become operational.
“The Special Tribunal embodies justice and hope. Now we must act to turn this political commitment into reality by ensuring the tribunal’s functioning and financing,” he stated.
Berset stressed that aggression and crimes committed during the war cannot remain unpunished and that those responsible must face consequences.
He also called on additional countries to join the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the tribunal.
“For those who have not yet joined, the doors remain open. Justice needs you,” Berset said.
According to the Council of Europe secretary general, 36 countries and the European Union have already expressed their intention to participate in the agreement establishing the tribunal.
Addressing Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Berset emphasized that the initiative is not only about Ukraine, but about defending international law and European security.
“This decision belongs to Ukraine and to every country that chooses law instead of silence, for the sake of a free Ukraine in a secure Europe,” he said.
The Special Tribunal is expected to investigate and prosecute individuals bearing primary responsibility for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, filling a legal gap that currently exists within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
