36 countries approve creation of special Ukraine tribunal to prosecute Russia
Summary
Thirty-six countries, including 34 European nations, Australia, and Costa Rica, have agreed to create a special tribunal to prosecute Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. This tribunal aims to hold Russia accountable for the "crime of aggression," a status not covered by the International Criminal Court’s current powers.Key Facts
- The special tribunal will focus on prosecuting Russia's invasion of Ukraine, declared a "crime of aggression."
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an agreement with the Council of Europe to establish this legal body in 2025.
- The Council of Europe, including 46 member states, approved a resolution to set up the tribunal.
- 34 European states, the EU, Australia, and Costa Rica have expressed their intention to join the tribunal agreement.
- Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe in 2022 after it invaded Ukraine.
- The tribunal could try senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin.
- The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants related to other war crimes but cannot prosecute the invasion itself.
- Twelve Council of Europe members, including Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Malta, and several Balkan and Caucasus countries, have not yet joined the tribunal agreement.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.