New tribunal to target Putin and top Russian leaders in 2026
In 2026, a special tribunal is set to begin operations to address Russia's acts of aggression against Ukraine. The primary goal will be to hold the most senior Russian leaders accountable.
The tribunal, designed to address acts of aggression committed by Russia against Ukraine, will commence its activities in 2026.
Initially, prosecutors will focus on President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. A substantial amount of evidence has already been gathered against these individuals.
European Union support
The foreign ministers of the European Union countries arrived in Lviv to express their support for Ukraine. One of the key points of the visit was political backing for the creation of the new tribunal.
The Special Tribunal will ensure that those most responsible for the aggression against Ukraine are held accountable, emphasized Kaja Kallas, the head of diplomacy.
Scope of the tribunal's activities
The tribunal will investigate the responsibility for the decisions to invade, including who gave the orders and who directed the attacks on Ukraine. There are also plans to initiate proceedings against 20 to 30 key military and political Russian leaders.
The European International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression (ICPA), which includes Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Romania, will support the tribunal in gathering evidence. A representative of the European Commission indicated that this institution has already collected a substantial amount of evidence.
Procedures and sentences
The tribunal will be able to conduct trials without the presence of the accused, with only their lawyer present. If the accused appear at the location, they will have the right to a retrial. The sentences provided by the tribunal align with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, including life imprisonment.
International support and location
The tribunal will function within the framework of the Council of Europe, and its establishment is supported by nearly 40 countries. While the U.S. initially participated in the preparations, they withdrew from the project after a change in administration. However, the door remains open for their return. The Netherlands is being considered as the location for the tribunal's headquarters.
