Foreign ministers and representatives of the Coalition for the establishment of a special tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine welcomed the completion of technical work on the necessary legal instruments.
This announcement was made in a joint statement during the informal meeting in Lviv on May 9.
“We reaffirm the critical importance of the Special Tribunal in ensuring justice by holding those most responsible for this gravest international crime against Ukraine accountable… We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the creation of the Special Tribunal within the framework of the Council of Europe, to its swift launch, and to supporting its effective functioning,” the statement reads.
The coalition members highlighted the central role of the Council of Europe in the tribunal’s establishment and acknowledged the significant contributions of the European Commission and the European External Action Service. They also called on other states and international organizations to join the effort and support the tribunal’s future work.
The next step in the tribunal’s formalization is expected at the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers meeting in Luxembourg on May 13–14.
The statement was endorsed in the presence of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and EU Commissioner for Justice, Democracy, and Rule of Law Michael McGrath.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Kaja Kallas emphasized the urgency of accountability:
“Every inch of this war is documented. We live in the age of information, and there is no room for impunity. The aggression cannot go unpunished. That is why the tribunal is essential. I thank the countries that have contributed and call on all others who stand for peace and justice to join.”
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reiterated Ukraine’s expectation that Russian political leaders who ordered the invasion will be held to account:
“Ukraine will never forgive the crimes Russia committed against our people and cities. We will not forget Bucha, Izium, Mariupol, Kryvyi Rih, Sumy... These crimes began on day one and continue to this day.”
He noted that Ukraine’s prosecutors have already registered over 190,000 war crimes cases, but added that the International Criminal Court lacks jurisdiction to prosecute the core crime of aggression itself—the decision by Russia’s top leadership to launch the unprovoked war.
Shmyhal expressed gratitude to European partners for their continued support for establishing a special tribunal to fill this gap in international justice.
