On June 25, 2025, the Council of Europe and Ukraine signed the “Agreement between the Council of Europe and Ukraine on the Establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.” The move represents a significant step towards ensuring accountability for Russia’s aggression.

The Agreement followed a series of United Nations General Assembly resolutions condemning Russia’s unlawful use of force and aggression in Ukrainian territory since 2014. It also builds on efforts by the Core Group on the Establishment of a Special Tribunal, the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, and the Council of Europe’s own mechanisms such as the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

The Special Tribunal is tasked with investigating, prosecuting, and trying individuals who bear the greatest responsibility for the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine. Its jurisdiction will be based on Ukraine’s territorial jurisdiction and its mandate focuses solely on the crime of aggression. The Tribunal will function in accordance with its statute annexed to the agreement. Ukraine commits full cooperation with the Tribunal, including arrest, surrender, and evidentiary assistance.

The Tribunal will be financed and administratively supported through an enlarged partial agreement within the Council of Europe framework. A management committee, including the  member and associate member states, will oversee financing, administration, and strategic coordination. The Tribunal will have international legal personality, able to conclude cooperation agreements with states and international organizations. Its seat will be located in a state participating in the enlarged partial agreement, subjected to a host state agreement.