Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed an agreement with the Council of Europe to create a tribunal aimed at prosecuting those responsible for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This landmark tribunal will address the "crime of aggression" and could include high-ranking Russian officials such as President Putin. Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of justice for war criminals, advocating for collective European action against aggressors. The Council of Europe, overseeing this unprecedented tribunal, aims to start operations next year, reinforcing the principle that no individual is above international law, regardless of their position.
"Every war criminal must know there will be justice and that also applies to Russia," said Zelenskyy after signing the accord in Strasbourg with Council of Europe secretary general Alain Berset.
"It will take strong political and legal courage to make sure every Russian war criminal faces justice, including Putin," Zelenskyy told the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe after signing the accord.
"This crime refers to the decision to use armed force against another state, in violation of the UN Charter," the council said.
Berset said international law "must apply to all, with no exceptions and no double standards." He said the Council of Europe hopes the tribunal will be able to start work next year.
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