Ukraine is actively pursuing broader international backing for the establishment of a special tribunal to address Russian aggression, with 11 countries currently confirming their participation in the relevant agreement. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha made this announcement during a joint briefing with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaia Kallas.
Sybiha emphasized that a key component of the international accountability mechanism is the creation of this special tribunal, which will be accompanied by a system that includes a registry of damages and a compensation commission.
The political groundwork for the tribunal was laid last year, initiating the process for the formation of the international agreement, which is now moving towards ratification by participating nations.
As of March 30, the foreign minister noted that 11 states have confirmed their involvement in the agreement. Ukraine anticipates that the number of countries supporting the tribunal will increase following the current meeting.
Sybiha also recounted his visit to Bucha after its liberation alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky, recalling the extensive destruction and crimes left by Russian forces. He noted significant progress in the city’s reconstruction efforts.
He underscored the importance for European partners to witness Ukraine’s resilience and the results of recovery in areas affected by Russian occupation. Concurrently, Kyiv continues its efforts to ensure accountability for Russian aggression.
Background on the Special Tribunal for Russian Aggression
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly recognized Russia as a terrorist state on November 21, 2022, and endorsed a resolution supporting the establishment of a special tribunal for Russian aggression. However, this decision requires individual national endorsement from each member state.
On November 8, 2023, the Ukrainian Parliament approved a bill concerning a registry of damages caused by Russia. This legislation aims to safeguard the rights and interests of Ukraine and its citizens, allowing for the submission of claims related to war damages and facilitating the creation of compensation mechanisms.
On March 22, 2024, the Office of the Registry of Damages Caused by Russia was inaugurated in Kyiv, staffed by approximately ten individuals, including legal experts and communication professionals. In the coming weeks, the office will begin accepting compensation claims, starting with those related to destroyed housing, as stated by Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, Executive Director of the Registry.
On May 9, 2025, EU foreign ministers and senior officials approved the launch of a special tribunal to address the crimes of the military-political leadership of Russia against Ukraine.
The tribunal will be based in The Hague. Kaia Kallas indicated that initial rulings from the tribunal are expected by 2026.
On May 14, the Council of Europe endorsed the establishment of the special tribunal, with over 40 countries already part of the coalition.
On June 25, President Zelensky and Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alen Berse, signed an agreement to create the special tribunal concerning Russian aggression against Ukraine. The final version of the tribunal’s statute was published on the Council of Europe’s website.
On July 15, 2025, the Ukrainian Parliament ratified the agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe regarding the establishment of the special tribunal for Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Ukraine is intensifying efforts to garner international support for a special tribunal aimed at addressing Russian aggression, with 11 countries currently committed to the initiative. The tribunal's establishment is part of a broader accountability mechanism, which includes a registry of damages and compensation measures.