Political Will is Lacking, Says Berset, as Tribunal for Russia Stalls

Alain Berset's Statement on the Special Tribunal

According to Главком: Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has expressed frustration with the slow progress in establishing a Special Tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression. He stressed that the Council of Europe completed its part of the work nine months after signing the foundational agreement, and that further advancement now depends on the political will of the states that must support the tribunal's creation.

The document to establish the Special Tribunal was signed nine months ago. The agreement between the Council of Europe and Ukraine was finalized in Strasbourg in June. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed on behalf of Ukraine, underscoring the critical need for international backing in this process. While the implementation agreement for the tribunal is virtually ready, its approval by the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers is still pending.

Calls to Intensify Negotiations

Alain Berset called for high-level negotiations to be intensified to ensure the tribunal is discussed on the international stage. He noted it is vital for participating countries to be able to take part in all discussions of the "coalition of the willing" and to convince state leaders of the necessity of creating this institution. The establishment of such a tribunal is an unprecedented legal undertaking aimed at addressing a crime of aggression.

• Ukraine insists on using frozen Russian assets to fund compensation.
• The launch of a compensation commission highlights Ukraine's pursuit of justice and reparations for damages incurred.

Discussions are ongoing regarding state contributions, ratifications, and the practical work of the future institution. Berset emphasized that political will is the decisive factor for the process to move forward.

"The creation of the Special Tribunal is of paramount importance for ensuring justice and accountability for crimes related to Russia's aggression against Ukraine." - Alain Berset

The speed of this process's implementation will determine not only the legal assessment of the aggressor's actions but also the possibility of compensation for Ukraine through international mechanisms. Accelerating international negotiations and drawing more countries into discussions on this initiative is critically important for the successful completion of the tribunal's establishment.