On May 9, 2025, in Lviv, Ukraine, representatives from nearly 40 countries endorsed the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior officials for the crime of aggression related to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This initiative, supported by the Council of Europe, aims to address legal gaps that prevent the International Criminal Court (ICC) from prosecuting such cases due to jurisdictional limitations.

The establishment of this tribunal signifies a concerted international effort to hold Russian leadership accountable for initiating the invasion of Ukraine. By signing the "Lviv statement," representatives from at least 37 countries have demonstrated a unified commitment to justice, despite the ICC's inability to prosecute the crime of aggression in this context.

The ICC, established by the Rome Statute in 1998, prosecutes individuals for crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. However, its jurisdiction over the crime of aggression is limited, especially concerning non-member states like Russia, which withdrew its signature from the Rome Statute in 2016. Ukraine, while not a full member, accepted the ICC's jurisdiction in 2014, allowing investigations into crimes committed on its territory.

The proposed special tribunal aims to fill this legal void by specifically addressing the crime of aggression, defined as the planning and execution of a large-scale military attack against another nation. This crime is considered a precursor to other war crimes and is not currently prosecutable by the ICC in this context.

The tribunal is expected to be located in The Hague, Netherlands, a city with a longstanding tradition of hosting international courts. Funding will be provided by countries within the Core Group, including the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada. Legal preparations are complete, and the court could be operational by early next year.

Prosecutors plan to prepare charges against 20 to 30 high-ranking Russian officials, potentially including President Putin. However, international immunity laws may delay prosecution until these individuals leave office. This approach respects the legal principle of immunity for sitting leaders while ensuring that charges are actionable once such immunity lapses.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized Europe's moral duty to enforce accountability, stating that justice is essential for deterring future acts of aggression. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remarked, "When Russia chose to roll its tanks over Ukraine’s borders, breaking the UN Charter, it committed one of the gravest violations: the Crime of Aggression. Now, justice is coming."

The establishment of the tribunal has garnered support from numerous European nations and international bodies. The "Lviv statement," signed by representatives from at least 37 countries, underscores a collective commitment to holding Russian leadership accountable. Notably, the United States, under the administration of President Donald Trump, has not joined this initiative, a decision criticized by some European leaders as a concession to President Putin.

The endorsement of the tribunal in Lviv coincided with Russia's Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. The grand parade, attended by over two dozen world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, showcased Russia's military might and underscored its continued global ties despite Western sanctions. President Putin used the occasion to praise Russian troops fighting in Ukraine and to reinforce national pride.

The establishment of the special tribunal represents a significant step toward international accountability for acts of aggression. It reflects a collective effort to uphold the rule of law and deter future violations of international norms. For Ukraine, this initiative offers a pathway to justice for the invasion and its associated atrocities. For Russia, it signals increasing international isolation and the potential for legal repercussions for its leadership.

The endorsement of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian leadership for the crime of aggression against Ukraine marks a pivotal moment in international law and diplomacy. It underscores a unified stance among numerous nations to hold perpetrators accountable and reinforces the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. As the tribunal moves toward operational status, its effectiveness and impact on international relations will be closely monitored.