Historic step Forward: Special Tribunal Targeting putin Approved by Core Group
In a landmark decision, the 13th meeting of the Core Group countries on the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine concluded with the approval of the tribunal’s draft statute. the meeting, held on 3-4 February 2025 in Brussels, marked a meaningful milestone in the pursuit of justice for Russia’s aggression, with a focus on holding Russian leader Vladimir putin accountable.
The tribunal will be launched through a bilateral accord between Ukraine and the Council of Europe,structured as an enlarged partial agreement to allow other countries to join later. A European official involved in the Core Group meeting told European Pravda, “Experts at this week’s Core Group session approved the draft statute of the special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.Essentially, it is a tribunal targeting Putin. The tribunal will be based on an agreement that Ukraine will sign with the Council of Europe. This agreement will allow other states to join under the framework of an enlarged partial agreement.”
The model for the tribunal mirrors the creation of the Register of Damages caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine, a joint initiative of Ukraine and the council of europe.This register, a critical component of Ukraine’s broader compensation mechanism, has already garnered participation from 43 countries and the European Union.
The Council of Europe will play a central role in establishing the tribunal. Alain berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, attended the meeting, conducting negotiations with EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, and Iryna Mudra, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
“To establish the tribunal, a decision by the committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is necessary. This decision requires only a two-thirds majority, making it relatively straightforward to achieve. Once approved, other countries will be able to join the enlarged partial agreement,” the official added.
the 14th and final Core Group meeting is scheduled to take place in Kyiv in April 2025, where the statute of the tribunal will be definitively approved, and a clear roadmap for it’s creation will be announced.
Background and Progress
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Discussions on a special tribunal to hold Russia accountable for its crime of aggression have been ongoing as 2022. Though, tangible progress had been slow until recently. Previously, the coalition of states working on the tribunal agreed on key parameters, including its jurisdiction, and outlined a detailed roadmap with specific next steps for its establishment.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Meeting | 13th Core Group meeting, 3-4 February 2025, Brussels |
| Key Decision | Approval of the draft statute for the special tribunal |
| Structure | Bilateral accord between Ukraine and the Council of Europe |
| Enlarged Partial Agreement | Allows other countries to join later |
| Final Meeting | 14th Core Group meeting in Kyiv, April 2025 |
| Role of Council of Europe | Central in establishing the tribunal, requiring a two-thirds majority vote |
This historic step underscores the international community’s commitment to ensuring accountability for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.As the process moves forward, the world watches closely, anticipating the establishment of a tribunal that could set a precedent for justice in cases of international aggression.
Support the pursuit of justice by contributing to initiatives like the Register of Damages or becoming a patron of organizations dedicated to upholding international law.
Historic Step Forward: Expert Insights on the Special Tribunal Targeting Putin
In a landmark decision, the Core Group countries have approved the draft statute for a special tribunal to address Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. This tribunal, aimed at holding Russian leader Vladimir putin accountable, marks a meaningful milestone in the pursuit of international justice. To understand the implications of this historic step, we spoke with Dr. Elena Kovalenko, an expert in international law and conflict resolution, who shared her insights on the tribunal’s structure, challenges, and potential impact.
The Road to Justice: Establishing the Special Tribunal
Senior Editor: Dr. Kovalenko, can you explain the importance of the draft statute approved at the 13th Core Group meeting in Brussels?
Dr. Kovalenko: Absolutely. the approval of the draft statute is a pivotal moment in the international community’s efforts to hold Russia accountable for its aggression against Ukraine.The tribunal is structured through a bilateral accord between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, with an enlarged partial agreement allowing other countries to join later. This framework ensures flexibility and broad participation, which is essential for its legitimacy and effectiveness.
Senior Editor: How does this tribunal compare to previous international efforts, such as the Register of Damages?
Dr. Kovalenko: The tribunal builds on the foundation laid by initiatives like the Register of Damages, which was a joint effort between Ukraine and the Council of Europe to document and address the harm caused by Russia’s invasion. While the Register focuses on reparations, the tribunal targets accountability at the highest levels, especially Russian leadership. together, these mechanisms create a comprehensive approach to justice and restitution.
Challenges and Opportunities
Senior Editor: What are some of the challenges in establishing this tribunal?
Dr. Kovalenko: One of the primary challenges is ensuring widespread international support. While the Council of Europe plays a central role,achieving a two-thirds majority vote from its member states is crucial. Additionally, there are political and logistical hurdles, such as securing evidence, ensuring witness protection, and navigating the complexities of international law.However, the commitment demonstrated by the Core Group and the participation of countries worldwide are positive signs.
Senior editor: How might this tribunal set a precedent for future cases of international aggression?
Dr. Kovalenko: This tribunal could be a groundbreaking precedent for addressing state-sponsored aggression. By holding a global power like Russia accountable, it sends a clear message that no nation is above the law. This could deter future conflicts and strengthen the framework of international justice, particularly in cases involving crimes of aggression.
The Role of the International Community
Senior Editor: How can individuals and organizations support this pursuit of justice?
Dr. Kovalenko: Public engagement is critical.Individuals can contribute by supporting initiatives like the Register of Damages or partnering with organizations dedicated to upholding international law. Raising awareness about the tribunal’s mission and advocating for accountability also play a vital role. Justice is a collective effort, and every voice matters.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kovalenko, for your valuable insights. it’s clear that the establishment of this special tribunal is a historic step toward accountability and justice. As the process moves forward, the world will be watching closely, hoping this initiative sets a lasting precedent for addressing international aggression.
Dr. Kovalenko: Thank you. It’s an honor to discuss this crucial topic. I remain hopeful that this tribunal will not only deliver justice for Ukraine but also strengthen global efforts to uphold the rule of law.
