The European Parliament has overwhelmingly supported a resolution condemning Russia’s systematic attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, with 446 votes in favor, 63 against, and 52 abstentions. The resolution highlights the targeting of residential buildings, hospitals, and energy facilities.
According to the document, the Parliament asserts that Russia’s aggressive war constitutes a serious violation of international law, calling for accountability for Russian leaders and their allies for acts of aggression, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other international offenses.
The resolution also advocates for the establishment of a special tribunal to address the crime of aggression against Ukraine, urging all EU member states to participate in this initiative. It emphasizes the need to hold not only top officials accountable but also other individuals who have facilitated these crimes.
Additionally, the European Parliament has called for an expansion of EU sanctions against Russia, insisting that these restrictions remain in place until a comprehensive peace agreement is realized.
In a separate resolution, the Parliament supported the creation of an International Claims Commission for Ukraine, aimed at ensuring compensation for civilian victims of the conflict. This decision received backing from 465 members.
Following the Parliament’s endorsement, EU member states will need to make a final decision regarding the establishment of this commission.
Efforts are ongoing in Europe to establish a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression committed by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. In June of last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, signed an agreement to create such a tribunal, which is intended to function as a distinct international body for addressing the crime of aggression.
The tribunal’s operations are expected to be grounded in Article 8 bis of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which defines the crime of aggression, as well as in UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, which outlines the relevant criteria.
The European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning Russia's attacks on Ukraine and calling for the establishment of a special tribunal to hold Russian leaders accountable. The resolution also supports expanded sanctions against Russia and the creation of a commission for compensating civilian victims.