Ukraine and Council of Europe Establish Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression
In a significant move towards justice, Ukraine and the Council of Europe have formalized an agreement to create a special tribunal aimed at prosecuting senior Russian officials for acts of aggression against Ukraine. The accord was signed on Wednesday in Strasbourg by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset.
Filling Legal Gaps and Strengthening Accountability
The Council of Europe, representing 46 member states committed to human rights, had previously approved the tribunal in May to complement efforts by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This initiative addresses legal shortcomings in holding top Russian leaders accountable, reinforcing the global pursuit of justice amid the ongoing conflict.
During the signing, President Zelenskyy emphasized the tribunal's importance, stating:
"This is truly a very important step. Every war criminal must know there will be justice, and that includes Russia… We are now boosting the legal work in a serious way."
He further underscored the challenging journey ahead, noting, "Today’s agreement is just the beginning. We must take real steps to make it work. It will take strong political and legal cooperation to ensure every Russian war criminal faces justice, including President Vladimir Putin."
Notably, the ICC has already issued an arrest warrant for President Putin over allegations linked to the illegal deportation of hundreds of Ukrainian children to Russia.
Russia Issues Warning Amid Escalating Tensions
In a stark response, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov cautioned that the influx of weapons and foreign fighters into Ukraine is exacerbating instability across Europe. He warned that continued support encouraging prolonged military action could potentially destabilize the region further.
Belousov remarked, "Attempts to prolong military actions by supplying Ukraine with arms and mercenaries increase the threat of destabilisation — including in Europe itself."
EU Leaders Convene for Crucial Discussions
Meanwhile, leaders from the European Union’s 27 member states gathered in Brussels to deliberate on intensified sanctions against Russia, address rising concerns over new U.S. tariffs, and consider Europe's role in ongoing Middle East conflicts.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy was expected to participate via videoconference. Key topics include the potential 18th round of sanctions against Russia and the extension of the price cap on Russian oil, with some EU members expressing unease about the impact on energy costs.
Ongoing Military Engagements and Defense Highlights
In recent military activities, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported the destruction of 50 Ukrainian drones overnight. Nearly half were intercepted over the Kursk region, while others were downed above different Russian territories—including three over the Moscow region, according to official statements on Telegram.
This sequence of events underscores the escalating stakes amid the conflict’s persistent volatility.