**Ukraine Takes Major Step Towards Prosecuting Russia’s Leadership**
In a significant development, President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed the ratification documents for the Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression against Ukraine. This move marks a major step towards holding Russia’s leadership accountable for their actions.
On June 25, Ukraine and the Council of Europe signed an agreement to establish the tribunal, which will target Russia’s top political and military leaders for the crime of aggression. The crime of aggression refers to the illegal use of force by one state against another, which existing international bodies like the International Criminal Court (ICC) are unable to prosecute due to jurisdictional limitations.
According to Zelensky, the agreement must now be ratified swiftly so that the process of creating the tribunal can begin. He has instructed Ukraine’s government to urgently submit necessary legislative changes to parliament to ensure Kyiv’s full implementation of the agreement.
The Special Tribunal is designed to address a legal gap that currently prevents the ICC from prosecuting Russia for the crime of aggression. While the ICC has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian children’s rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova in connection with the deportation of Ukrainian children, the tribunal will provide an additional mechanism for holding Russia accountable.
**What This Means**
The establishment of the Special Tribunal is a significant step towards achieving justice for Ukraine. By targeting Russia’s top leaders, the tribunal aims to hold those responsible for planning and executing the war accountable for their actions.
In his statement, Zelensky emphasized that aggression is a crime, and that Russia’s punishment for this crime is in the global interest of everyone who wants their people to live in peace. He called on international partners to finalize a roadmap with Ukraine for the tribunal’s launch.
The Council of Europe has also helped establish the Register of Damage, which has received over 34,000 claims from Ukrainians documenting losses and harms caused by the war. This initiative highlights the need for full justice and accountability for all parties involved in the conflict.
**What’s Next**
As the ratification process moves forward, Ukraine will continue to push for the tribunal’s launch. The establishment of the Special Tribunal is a major milestone in the pursuit of justice for Ukraine, and it marks an important step towards holding Russia accountable for its actions.
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