Kyiv/Strasbourg, June 26, 2025 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has formally called for Russian President Vladimir Putin to be tried as a “war criminal” under a new special tribunal established with the Council of Europe. The move is part of an agreement signed Wednesday in Strasbourg to prosecute senior Russian officials for aggression and war crimes. 🇺🇦 A Bold Legal MilestoneZelenskyy signed the agreement with Council of Europe Secretary-General Alain Berset, advancing plans for a tribunal dedicated to prosecuting the crime of aggression—a legal gap left by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The court will have authority to try Russia’s top leadership, including Putin, once they leave office, and may proceed even in their absence. 🎙️ Zelenskyy’s MessageIn a powerful address following the signing, Zelenskyy said, “We need to show clearly, aggression leads to punishment… every Russian war criminal faces justice, including Putin.” He emphasized the need for “strong political and legal courage” to uphold accountability. 🌐 Complementing the ICCThe ICC has already issued an arrest warrant for Putin over the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children—a war crime as per Rome Statute jurisdiction—but lacks authority over crimes of aggression. The new tribunal aims to fill that void. 🗺️ Scope & Logistics • The tribunal will depend on evidence from over 34,000 documented incidents of war crimes and destruction . • Proceeds as planned: indictments in absentia, even for serving officials, with trials to follow status changes. • Funding comes from the “Core Group” of countries including the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, and support from Ukraine and EU partners .⚠️ Legal & Political ChallengesInternational law grants sitting heads of state immunity, meaning legal action would likely wait until Putin leaves office. Russia has already rejected ICC jurisdiction, and Putin’s travel options are constrained by the warrant—he has declined attendance at the upcoming BRICS summit in Brazil. 🧭 Why It MattersThis tribunal represents the first-ever Council of Europe court targeting crimes of aggression against a state actor. For Ukraine, it’s an essential tool to restore the international rule of law and deter future aggression.⸻🔍 Bottom LinePresident Zelenskyy has upped the ante, seeking to bring Vladimir Putin to justice through a new international tribunal. While legal and diplomatic barriers remain, the move signals Ukraine’s determination to hold its aggressor accountable—and sends a stark warning: military conquest cannot escape judgment.
