Ukraine's foreign minister: Eight countries confirm readiness to join agreement on special tribunal for Russian aggression

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that the number of countries ready to join the Agreement for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine is growing.

"The number of countries ready to join the Enlarged Partial Agreement for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine is growing. We already have eight confirmations and expect more," Sybiha wrote on X.

Sybiha called on all countries to take this important step and support efforts to hold the aggressor accountable.

He stressed that the scale of Russia's atrocities during its aggression is unprecedented on European soil since World War II.

"The crime of aggression is the root cause of them all. There must be accountability and there will be no amnesty for Russian criminals, including the highest political and military leadership of the Russian Federation," he said.

Sybiha pointed out that the Special Tribunal is a critical element of the accountability infrastructure alongside two other pillars – the Claims Commission and the Register of Damage.

"Tomorrow, we will mark the grim anniversary of the Bucha massacre together with EU colleagues, who will come to Ukraine. The ashes of Bucha demand justice to be restored," he stressed.

Sybiha said the Special Tribunal revives the spirit of Nuremberg.

"Its practical launch this year is vital not only to deliver justice for Ukraine and our people but also to reinforce international criminal law, complement the efforts by the International Criminal Court, and prevent such horrible crimes from repeating again in the future," he said.

On 25 March, the European Commission adopted a proposal to begin the process of the EU joining the group of founding members of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

Once member states approve the proposal, the European Commission will be able to announce the EU's intention to join the tribunal as a founding member. The EU will then play a central role in the tribunal's activities, including as a member of the Steering Committee that will oversee the Special Tribunal.

On the same day, Sweden also announced its intention to join the agreement on the Special Tribunal.

During a visit to Kyiv in February, Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, said that the launch of the Special Tribunal depends on the "will of states".

Read more: Saving Putin from justice. Who in Europe is stalling the trial and who is helping Ukraine.