Council of Europe moves to hold Russia accountable for Ukraine's crimes
The Council of Europe aims to finalise plans for a special tribunal regarding Russia. These plans involve holding Vladimir Putin accountable for crimes committed in Ukraine.
What do you need to know?
- The special tribunal, intended to investigate Russian crimes in Ukraine and ensure justice, will be based within the Council of Europe. The operational plans have been developing since 2023 and were completed in March 2025.
- Presidential immunity: Vladimir Putin remains immune from prosecution as long as he serves as President of Russia.
- The investigation involves more than twenty high-ranking Russian officials. The tribunal will concentrate on those responsible for the aggression towards Ukraine.
What are the plans for the special tribunal?
The Council of Europe is working to establish a special tribunal to judge Russian leaders for their crimes in Ukraine. These plans, initiated in 2023, were finalised in March 2025. The tribunal will be based within the Council of Europe, though details about its operation remain confidential. Jörg Polakiewicz, head of the Department of Legal Advice and International Law in the Secretariat General of the Council of Europe, points out that the tribunal can already investigate leaders from Russia and Belarus.
Can Putin be judged?
As President of Russia, Vladimir Putin has immunity, preventing prosecution while he is in office. However, as noted by Deutsche Welle, there is already discussion of a "Putin Tribunal."
Oleksandra Matwijczuk, head of the organisation Centre for Civil Liberties, anticipates the tribunal will hold accountable those responsible for war atrocities. Matwijczuk highlights that the Nuremberg Trials did not restrict themselves to the top echelons of Nazi Germany.
Who else is under investigation?
The investigation involves more than twenty Russian officials. The tribunal will focus on senior political and military leaders responsible for the aggression against Ukraine. Gleb Bogush from the Institute of International Peace and Security Law at the University of Cologne believes that the circle of decision-makers in Russia has not yet been conclusively identified, but it might include around twenty individuals. Bogush criticises the tribunal's proponents for acknowledging Putin's privileges, arguing it reinforces the notion of his untouchability.
What are the obstacles in establishing the tribunal?
The plan for the tribunal must undergo political analysis, marking the start of an uncertain period. Gleb Bogush warns that certain political factions might perceive the tribunal as escalating the conflict, potentially delaying its establishment. The final decision requires a two-thirds majority vote in the Council of Europe and subsequent ratification by the member states' parliaments.
