Launch Date and Initial Proceedings for the Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression
Ukraine, with international partners, intends to commence the foundational work for establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Russian Aggression in 2026. This follows a key political agreement reached in 2025, the signing of the Council of Europe's convention on a compensation mechanism, and the ratification of the tribunal's founding agreement. The establishment of such a tribunal is a complex, unprecedented legal undertaking aimed at prosecuting the crime of aggression, distinct from other war crimes.
Mandate and Preparatory Phase of the Tribunal
The Special Tribunal will be mandated to prosecute high-level officials for the crime of aggression, defined as the decision to use armed force against another state in violation of the UN Charter. The organizational work planned for 2026 will involve critical logistical and procedural steps, including:
- Selecting a location for the tribunal's premises;
- Determining the required number of prosecutors and judges;
- Finalizing the tribunal's rules of procedure.
In 2025, alongside the political consensus on the tribunal, Ukraine signed the Council of Europe's convention on a compensation mechanism and agreed to create a compensation commission. On July 15, 2025, the Ukrainian parliament ratified the agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe to establish the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, with the support of 323 members of parliament.
For the tribunal to move forward, the implementation agreement for its creation must be approved by the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Lithuania has already officially decided to join the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, signaling growing international backing.
As noted by Iryna Mudra, 'I hope that together with our partners, by the end of the year we will have a clear understanding of when the tribunal will start its work and when the first Russian criminals will stand trial.'
This underscores the intensification of efforts by Ukraine and its international allies to combat aggression and ensure accountability. The creation of the Special Tribunal represents a crucial step in delivering justice for the victims of aggression and establishing responsibility for crimes under international law. This process also highlights the sustained international support for Ukraine in its defense against the invasion. The expectation for a swift operational start reflects Ukraine's determination to activate legal mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable and secure justice on the global stage.