Andorra and Monaco have officially joined the Special Tribunal aimed at investigating crimes committed by Russia during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This development marks a significant step in the international effort to hold accountable those responsible for aggression.
The legal framework for the tribunal is nearly finalized, according to Ukraine’s chief diplomat. A final decision is expected shortly, with the agreement set to be presented for a vote in Moldova on May 14 and 15 during a meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
The initiative has been in the works for some time, gaining substantial political backing from various countries since May 9 of last year. At that time, foreign ministers from European nations and EU leaders expressed their support. The foundation for the tribunal was further solidified on June 25 in Strasbourg, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić signed an official agreement.
Ukraine’s call for a dedicated court stems from gaps in existing international legal mechanisms. The International Criminal Court (ICC) currently lacks the jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression, prompting Kyiv to advocate for the establishment of a specialized institution.
This tribunal will focus on high-ranking Russian officials, aiming to hold accountable those who issued orders for the invasion. The list of nations supporting the tribunal continues to grow, encompassing both major world powers and smaller European states, each contributing to the legal framework for future judgments.
Countries supporting the Special Tribunal include:
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Estonia
- Poland
- Austria
- Spain
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Norway
- Finland
- Iceland
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Greece
- Luxembourg
- Moldova
- Slovenia
- Portugal
- Croatia
With the addition of Andorra and Monaco, Costa Rica has also joined the coalition.
In related news, Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Oleksii Makeiev criticized former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, labeling him a “Kremlin agent” and asserting that he cannot serve as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba noted that Russian forces are deliberately using electronic warfare to divert Ukrainian drones toward Baltic countries, offering assistance to prevent such incidents.
Minister Kuleba is currently in Brussels for meetings with EU leadership, NATO discussions, and a session focused on the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children.
Andorra and Monaco have joined the Special Tribunal investigating Russian aggression in Ukraine, enhancing international efforts for accountability. The tribunal's legal framework is nearing completion, with a vote planned in Moldova soon.