**Council of Europe Approves Special Tribunal to Prosecute Russia’s Leadership**
The Council of Europe has taken a significant step in holding Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top officials accountable for their actions against Ukraine. On May 14, the Council approved the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russia’s leadership for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
This decision is a milestone in international efforts to bring justice to those responsible for launching the full-scale war against Ukraine. The tribunal will operate under the auspices of the Council of Europe and will focus on prosecuting state leaders who planned and waged the war. This includes President Putin, who has been at the forefront of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
**A Long-Overdue Step Towards Justice**
Ukrainian lawmakers and officials have long advocated for such a tribunal to ensure that those responsible for the war face justice. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been a strong proponent of this idea, pushing for international action to hold Russia accountable. The approval of the special tribunal is a testament to the international community’s growing recognition of Russia’s responsibility for its actions.
**War Crimes and Genocide**
The decision comes as Ukrainian prosecutors continue to document thousands of war crimes committed by Russian forces. These atrocities include attacks on civilians, cultural and medical sites, as well as acts of torture and deportation. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued arrest warrants for Putin and other senior Russian officials over their role in forced deportations of Ukrainian children.
**A New Era of Accountability**
The approval of the special tribunal marks a new era of accountability for Russia’s actions against Ukraine. It sends a clear message that state leaders who engage in aggression will be held to account, and that justice will not be delayed or denied. This is a significant step towards ensuring that those responsible for the war face justice, and that Ukraine can finally begin to heal and rebuild.
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