Representatives signed a historic agreement supporting the creation of a court to investigate and prosecute the Vladimir Putin regime’s aggression against Ukraine.
In a historic show of unity, representatives from over thirty European countries, including EU foreign ministers such as Spain’s José Manuel Albares and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, gathered in Ukraine on Friday to formally back the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute war crimes committed by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.
The event coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin presiding over Moscow’s annual Victory Day military parade, where he stood alongside foreign leaders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the international delegation, stressing the need for accountability and warning, “If even one war ends without punishment, there will be more.” He compared the push for Russian accountability to the post-World War II trials of Nazi leaders, calling the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine essential to deter future aggressors.
“This is Europe’s moral duty and the duty of all who value human life,” Zelensky said via videoconference, though he acknowledged that much work remains to bring the tribunal to life.
The tribunal, proposed after two years of work by a Council of Europe–linked group, has been one of Zelensky’s top demands since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Despite strong political support, legal and political challenges remain — particularly over the tribunal’s reach and its potential impact on Putin while he remains in power.
At the gathering in Lviv, participants signed the Lviv Declaration, formally committing to the tribunal’s creation. Kaja Kallas described the agreement as “a decisive step towards justice,” emphasizing that “every ounce of Russia’s war is documented” and that there is “no room for impunity.”
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told EFE the declaration sends “a message of hope to the Ukrainian people but also a message to anyone considering waging wars of aggression.” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed her support, declaring that on Europe Day, “the continent stands united for justice for Ukraine.”
Von der Leyen promised the EU would do “everything in its power” to ensure the tribunal’s creation and functioning. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, confirmed political backing but cautioned that sufficient financial resources must still be secured.
Germany’s new foreign policy chief, Johann Wadephul, called the tribunal agreement “a crucial milestone,” joining other leaders in stating that “Russia’s crimes cannot go unpunished.” U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed hope that Russian leaders would be prosecuted for their “war of aggression,” affirming, “Today, and every day, we stand with Ukraine.”
The tribunal’s main mission will be to investigate, prosecute, and try those responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, said Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
To date, Ukrainian investigators have registered more than 167,000 war and aggression crimes, with 735 individuals formally identified as suspects. However, Shmyhal stressed that Russia’s top political and military leaders must also be held accountable.
The European Commission confirmed the tribunal — composed of international judges and designed to meet the strictest procedural guarantees — will be launched at an upcoming meeting of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, expected next week in Luxembourg, according to Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said that a formal agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe will be signed in due course to complete the process. Despite the progress, Kaja Kallas acknowledged the tribunal will still need time to become operational and expressed hope it could be running by 2026, while noting the process faces challenges — including the absence of U.S. participation.
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