EU Council to Establish Tribunal for Russian War Crimes in Ukraine
- A group of states within the Council of Europe are finalizing plans to establish a special tribunal to address the crime of aggression by Russia against Ukraine.
- According to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alen Bersse, the legal framework necessary for the tribunal's launch is complete.
- After two years of hard work, the texts are ready for consideration at the political level.
Council of Europe States Prepare Tribunal for Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
Table of Contents
- Council of Europe States Prepare Tribunal for Russian Aggression Against Ukraine
- Council of Europe States Prepare tribunal for Russian Aggression Against Ukraine: Q&A
- Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Council of Europe doing regarding the Russian aggression against Ukraine?
- Why is a Special Tribunal being created?
- What is the current status of the tribunal’s establishment?
- How many countries are involved in these efforts?
- What actions is the European Union taking in response to the conflict?
- What are the recent allegations of war crimes?
- Key Dates and Events
- Key Questions and Answers
March 22, 2025

A group of states within the Council of Europe are finalizing plans to establish a special tribunal to address the crime of aggression by Russia against Ukraine.
According to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alen Bersse, the legal framework necessary for the tribunal’s launch is complete.
After two years of hard work, the texts are ready for consideration at the political level. I am grateful to all countries and experts who have made such notable efforts. The perpetrators must inevitably be held accountable, including the crime of aggression against Ukraine to strengthen international criminal law.Andrei Sibiga, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
The Council of Europe, which monitors democracy and essential rights, currently comprises 46 nations following Russia’s expulsion in february 2022 after it’s invasion of Ukraine.
Allegations of War Crimes
Ukraine has accused Russia of continuing to kill Ukrainian prisoners of war.Recently, a video circulated on social media purportedly showing the execution of unarmed Ukrainian troops captured by Russian forces.
Dmitry Lubinets, the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights, stated he has appealed to the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red cross to document the alleged incident as a war crime.
Council of Europe States Prepare tribunal for Russian Aggression Against Ukraine: Q&A
March 22,2025

Key Questions and Answers
What is the Council of Europe doing regarding the Russian aggression against Ukraine?
A group of states within the Council of Europe are finalizing plans to establish a Special Tribunal to address the crime of aggression by Russia against Ukraine. The Council of Europe is also working on a Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation Against Ukraine as a frist step towards a compensation mechanism, and is encouraging participation by other countries.
Why is a Special Tribunal being created?
The primary aim is to hold perpetrators accountable for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This tribunal is seen as a crucial step in strengthening international criminal law.
The perpetrators must inevitably be held accountable, including the crime of aggression against Ukraine to strengthen international criminal law.Andrei Sibiga, minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
What is the current status of the tribunal’s establishment?
According to Alen bersse, secretary General of the Council of Europe, the legal framework necessary for the tribunal’s launch is complete. The texts are ready for consideration at the political level.
How many countries are involved in these efforts?
The Council of Europe currently comprises 46 nations following Russia’s expulsion in February 2022. The initiative to create a register of damage has 43 countries and the European Union participating.
The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery, and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners.
What actions is the European Union taking in response to the conflict?
The EU has adopted multiple packages of economic and individual measures against Russia. These measures include tighter export restrictions concerning dual-use goods and technologies in support of Ukraine. The European Council is also committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair,recovery,and reconstruction.
What are the recent allegations of war crimes?
Ukraine has accused Russia of continued killings of Ukrainian prisoners of war. A video has circulated on social media showing the alleged execution of unarmed ukrainian troops. The Commissioner of the Verkhovna rada of Ukraine for Human Rights has appealed to the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross to document the incident as a war crime. The progress made on establishing a special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, within the framework of the Council of Europe, is an crucial step.
Key Dates and Events
Here’s a summary of important dates and events:
| date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| February 2022 | Russia’s expulsion from the Council of Europe | Following the invasion of ukraine. |
| March 20, 2025 | European Council meeting | Discussed the progress on establishing a Special Tribunal |
| March 22, 2025 | Q&A Article Published | Discussing progress of the tribunal and current events. |
