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Sunday, October 6, 2024

A Tribunal for Putin: Ukraine and the Council of Europe Move Forward on Prosecuting Russian Aggression

 


In a significant step towards justice, Ukraine, in collaboration with the Council of Europe, is pushing forward plans to establish a special tribunal to address the crime of Russian aggression. This initiative, which has gained momentum, is poised to be built on a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, a structure that Ukrainian officials deem the most promising path to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable.

Ambassador Anton Korynevych, representing Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently shared insights into the ongoing work of the Core Group—a dedicated body focused on bringing this tribunal into reality. After comprehensive analysis, the Ukrainian government has confirmed that a tribunal based on this agreement will offer the most practical and legally sound framework. The project is rapidly advancing, with several more meetings of the Core Group scheduled before the year's end. Behind the scenes, teams are busy drafting the tribunal’s constitutive documents, including its foundational statute.

At a September meeting in Vienna, the Core Group convened for the 11th time to discuss crucial aspects of the tribunal’s formation. Ambassador Korynevych described the meeting as productive, a sentiment echoed by all participants. One of the primary topics under discussion was the selection process for judges—a critical step in ensuring the impartiality and credibility of this tribunal. These details will be enshrined in the tribunal’s charter, currently under development, as Ukraine remains actively involved in shaping the legal mechanisms that will govern this historic initiative.

The creation of this tribunal sends a clear message to Putin and his inner circle. The crimes committed against Ukraine will not be ignored, nor will they go unpunished. The world is watching as Ukraine, with the Council of Europe’s backing, paves the way for accountability, even as war continues to devastate its land.

As the work on the tribunal progresses, it represents more than just a legal framework; it embodies hope for justice, not just for Ukraine but for a world increasingly defined by accountability. The months ahead will determine the structure of this tribunal, yet its promise already resonates deeply. The path to justice is long, but Ukraine and its international partners are steadfast, ensuring that history will not forget the aggressors who dared to wage war on a sovereign nation.

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