**Ukraine Aims to Hold Russian Leaders Accountable for War Crimes**
A special tribunal to prosecute Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin, for war crimes against Ukraine is expected to start in 2026. This was announced by Iryna Mudra, the Deputy Head of Ukrainian President’s Office.
The tribunal will be established within the Council of Europe and will focus on Russia’s political and military leaders who have committed atrocities during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. According to Mudra, the legal framework for the tribunal is currently being finalized, and judges and staff are being recruited.
**A Historic Effort to Bring Putin to Justice**
President Volodymyr Zelensky has been a strong advocate for this special tribunal, seeking to hold Putin accountable for launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. Ukrainian authorities have documented thousands of war crimes committed by Russian forces, including deliberate attacks on civilians, cultural sites, and medical institutions.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued arrest warrants for Putin and another Russian official for their roles in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. This is a significant step towards holding those responsible for these atrocities accountable.
**A Unique Charge: The Crime of Aggression**
The crime of aggression is a unique charge that can be brought exclusively against the top leadership of an aggressor state. Unlike war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, which apply to individuals at all levels of a military conflict, the crime of aggression is reserved for leaders who have committed aggression on a national scale.
In this context, the establishment of the special tribunal in 2026 marks a significant step towards bringing Putin and other Russian leaders to justice. It’s a testament to Ukraine’s commitment to seeking accountability for the atrocities committed against its people.
**A Watershed Moment**
The creation of this special tribunal is a watershed moment in the history of international law and diplomacy. It sets a precedent for holding state leaders accountable for their actions, even if it takes years or decades to bring them to justice.
As Ukraine continues to fight against Russian aggression, the establishment of this tribunal offers hope that those responsible for the devastation will be brought to account.
