Legal experts from the European Commission, the European External Action Service, the Council of Europe, Ukraine, and 37 States laid down the legal foundations for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. The participants also set out the key elements of the “Schuman draft Statute,” the core legal text that will govern the functioning of the Special Tribunal. The Ukrainian delegation at the meeting was led by Deputy Head of the Office of the President Iryna Mudra.
"This is not just about Ukraine – it is about global justice and the message we send to the world. That is why we want the Special Tribunal to succeed, and why we call on all those who care about preserving the international order to join us in the pursuit of justice. Launching this Tribunal will demonstrate our commitment to peace and international law, ensuring that those responsible for the crime of aggression will be held accountable and justice will be restored," said Iryna Mudra.
Once operational, the Tribunal will have the authority to prosecute Russian political and military leaders bearing the highest responsibility for the crime of aggression.
"When Russia chose to violate Ukraine’s borders, disregarding the UN Charter, it committed one of the gravest international crimes: the Crime of Aggression. Now, justice is coming. Justice for Ukraine. We have laid down the legal foundations for a Special Tribunal,” President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized.
Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset described the meeting’s outcome as a milestone that will have a lasting impact on future generations of Ukrainians.
"The establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine within the framework of the Council of Europe will enable our international partners – including Ukraine and the European Union – to fully leverage our expertise in defending human rights and upholding the rule of law worldwide," added Alain Berset.