Establishing Accountability: The New Tribunal for Russian Aggression

The European Union, Council of Europe, Ukraine, and an international coalition of states have taken significant steps in forming a special tribunal dedicated to addressing the crime of aggression during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

This tribunal is distinct from existing bodies like the ICC and ICJ, which cannot prosecute such acts when the aggressor nation is not a member state. The tribunal is expected to begin functioning in 2026, a move applauded by human rights advocates and international lawyers despite concerns about its efficacy.

Challenges remain concerning prosecuting high-ranking Russian officials and overcoming state immunity obstacles. However, advocates argue that this tribunal is crucial for ensuring accountability in international conflicts where existing legal frameworks have limitations.

(With inputs from agencies.)