Zelenskyy Meets with Council of Europe Head, Announces Energy Summit and Tribunal Plans

Ukrainian President Meets with Council of Europe Secretary General

According to Главком: On February 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with Alan Berse, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Their discussion focused on expediting the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Russian Aggression against Ukraine and on mechanisms for holding the aggressor accountable. During the meeting, President Zelenskyy awarded Berse the Order of Merit, First Class.

International Meetings Announced

Separately, during a conference call chaired by Zelenskyy, it was announced that international meetings in the format of an energy-focused 'Ramstein' will be held in France this week. These meetings will involve:

• Representatives from G7 nations,
• Partners from Northern Europe and the Baltics,
• Ministers from the United States, Canada, and the European Union.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal reported on specific, identified energy support needs that will be the minister's focus. This initiative mirrors the successful 'Ramstein' format used for coordinating military aid, now applied to Ukraine's critical energy sector.

Zelenskyy emphasized the crucial importance of European unity in efforts to hold Russia accountable. He stated that ensuring accountability for crimes is a key factor for achieving a just end to the war, underscoring Ukraine's serious commitment to justice and the necessity of sustained international backing.

The meeting between Zelenskyy and Berse, along with the planned summits, highlights the intensification of international efforts to prosecute Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. The creation of a Special Tribunal could represent a major step toward establishing justice and upholding international law. Simultaneously, the high-level discussions on energy cooperation underscore the vital importance of collaborative security measures for Ukraine's stability and that of the wider region.