The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has identified the launch of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine as one of its key tasks for the coming years. This is outlined in the updated Government Action Program, which includes a number of strategic initiatives to strengthen the international legal accountability of the Russian leadership.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Action plan for the establishment of the special tribunal
As stated in the program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the main goal is to hold the senior political and military leadership of the Russian Federation accountable for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. To this end, the government is committed not only to establish but also to ensure the full launch of the Special Tribunal, which will allow for the restoration of justice and the prevention of impunity for crimes of aggression.
Important milestones for 2025 include creating the conditions for the tribunal to begin its work and facilitating the adoption of an Extended Partial Agreement on the establishment of the Steering Committee of the Special Tribunal by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. By the end of 2025, all necessary measures are planned to ensure that the agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe on the establishment of the special tribunal comes into effect.
“Criteria for achievement in 2026: by December 31, 2026, the operational work of the Special Tribunal regarding the crime of aggression against Ukraine has commenced,” the program states.
Ukraine and the Council of Europe to enhance cooperation
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has already taken an important step by ratifying the agreement with the Council of Europe on July 15 regarding the establishment of a tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The signing of this agreement took place on June 25, 2025, in Strasbourg with the participation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić.
Thus, the government of Ukraine aims to ensure that by the end of 2026, the Special Tribunal begins its operational activities. This will be one of the most significant steps in the international legal struggle to hold Russian officials accountable for unleashing war against Ukraine.