Ukraine and the Council of Europe will sign an agreement on the Special Tribunal - statement.

This Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky together with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić will sign an agreement in Strasbourg on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for investigating the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This is a historical step aimed at holding top officials accountable for starting the war. The agreement has already been approved by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, so it will soon be signed.

Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić noted that the establishment of this international tribunal is a unique event. The tribunal will be responsible for violations of the UN Charter concerning the use of force and aims to confirm that security in Europe must be based on law, not on impunity.

In addition, the Special Tribunal will have the authority to prosecute individuals who made decisions to use armed force against other states, which constitutes a violation of international law. Work on the legal texts of the agreement has already been completed, and the legislative act was adopted at the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Council of Europe in May 2025.

The agreement on the establishment of the Special Tribunal in Strasbourg will be signed this Friday. The tribunal will investigate acts of aggression against Ukraine and will have the authority to prosecute individuals who issued orders for the use of armed force. This is an important step in ensuring security in Europe based on law.