The foreign minister of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, announced that both Iceland and Poland have confirmed their readiness to join the agreement for a Special Tribunal aimed at investigating acts of aggression against Ukraine. This development is a significant step toward formalizing international support for accountability in the ongoing conflict.
Sybiha explained that with 17 confirmations from member states of the Council of Europe, the agreement can now be officially put to a vote. He stated, “This is a turning point: with 17 confirmations, we have officially surpassed the minimum legal threshold required for member states of the Council of Europe to bring the agreement to a vote.”
Further details indicate that the extended partial agreement concerning the governing committee of the Special Tribunal is expected to be presented and adopted during the Committee of Ministers meeting in Chișinău on May 14-15. Sybiha noted, “Less than a year has passed since we gave the green light for the Tribunal on May 9, 2025, when we gathered foreign ministers from European countries in Lviv. Now we have prepared all legal steps for the Tribunal to commence its work. We will continue to gather signatures from countries for participation—both within the Council of Europe and beyond, across all continents and regions.”
He emphasized that establishing the tribunal is crucial for holding Russian leadership accountable and ensuring justice. This initiative follows a series of developments, including a proposal from the European Commission on March 25 to initiate the process for the EU to become a founding member of the Special Tribunal regarding aggression against Ukraine.
Once member states approve this proposal, the European Commission will be able to announce the EU’s intent to join the Tribunal as a founding member, thereby playing a central role in its operations, including participation in the governing committee overseeing the Tribunal. On the same day, Sweden also expressed its intention to join the agreement for the Special Tribunal.
During a visit to Kyiv in February, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alena Berse, stated that the commencement of the Special Tribunal regarding the crime of Russian aggression depends on the “will of the states.” This underscores the collaborative effort needed to bring the Tribunal to fruition.
Iceland and Poland's commitment to the Special Tribunal marks a pivotal moment in the effort to hold Russia accountable for aggression against Ukraine. With 17 confirmations from Council of Europe member states, the agreement is set to move forward for a formal vote, paving the way for enhanced international legal action.