Estonia has officially joined the Extended Partial Agreement on the Management Committee for the Special Tribunal addressing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry indicated that signing this document represents a significant step toward establishing a tribunal aimed at holding accountable those responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Officials emphasized that this move brings the tribunal closer to becoming fully operational. They stated, “Accountability matters. Impunity will not prevail.”
The establishment of an international justice mechanism is anticipated to be a crucial element in the effort to hold perpetrators accountable for the war against Ukraine.
On June 25, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alena Berse, signed an agreement to create a Special Tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Subsequently, Zelensky instructed his team and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop a clear timeline for practical steps toward the tribunal’s formation, including finalizing necessary agreements with partners and ensuring its effective operation.
On July 1, 2025, President Zelensky signed documents for the ratification of the Agreement on the establishment of the Special Tribunal concerning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, as he announced on that date.
He reminded that Ukraine recently signed this agreement with the Council of Europe and emphasized the need for swift ratification to initiate the actual creation of the tribunal.
Estonia's recent accession to the Special Tribunal Agreement marks a pivotal advancement in the pursuit of accountability for Russia's aggression against Ukraine. This move underscores the commitment to establishing a functional tribunal aimed at addressing war crimes and ensuring justice.