In a symbolic move marking Europe Day, a coalition of democratic nations has officially approved the establishment of a Special Tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The court is expected to face immense challenges in fulfilling its historic mission.
The decision—culminating over two years of legal preparation by international experts—was formalized on Friday during a high-level diplomatic visit to Lviv, western Ukraine’s largest city.
The event brought together representatives from over 40 European and allied nations, alongside delegates from EU institutions and the Council of Europe. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha were also in attendance.
One notable absence was that of the United States, which had played a key role in the court’s formation under President Biden but has since withdrawn support under Donald Trump’s leadership.
“Every inch of Russia’s war has been documented. There is no doubt that it constitutes a clear violation of the UN Charter. There can be no impunity. Russian aggression will not go unpunished,” declared EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
The statute agreed upon by coalition members outlines the creation of a court tasked specifically with investigating and prosecuting the crime of aggression—defined as “the planning and execution of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.”
The crime of aggression is considered one of the most serious international offenses, targeting those in positions of power who orchestrate or control acts of military aggression.
