Kyiv and its European allies have approved the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russia for its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Ukraine hopeful it could lead to charges against President Vladimir Putin.
This decision was made during a meeting in Lviv, western Ukraine, involving EU foreign ministers, coinciding with Russia’s grand commemoration in Moscow of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
European Union foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, stated that the tribunal will ensure key figures responsible for the aggression against Ukraine are brought to justice, at a gathering of around forty countries.
Kallas emphasised the importance of accountability, noting that "every square inch" of Russia’s war actions has been documented and there is "no room for impunity."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga expressed hope that the tribunal would lead to convictions of top Russian leaders, including President Putin.
The special tribunal for "crimes of aggression" will operate alongside the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has already issued international arrest warrants for several Russian leaders, including Putin.
However, the ICC lacks jurisdiction to try Russia for "crimes of aggression," prompting the proposal to establish this tribunal shortly after the invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.
Kallas also announced the release of €1 billion for the Ukrainian defence industry, funded by interest accrued from frozen Russian assets within the European Union.
