Ukraine expects the Special Tribunal against Russia to begin operations as early as 2027

The Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine has moved into the implementation phase following the completion of the main legal preparatory process. Since February 2026, an advance team has been operating in The Hague and Strasbourg to address organizational issues, with the European Union having allocated 10 million euros for its activities. 

This was reported by the Office of the President, noting that Ukraine has already ratified the relevant bilateral agreement with the Council of Europe.

The next step will be a meeting in Chisinau on May 14–15, where the Council of Europe plans to conclude an agreement on the establishment of the tribunal’s steering committee. Currently, 20 countries have officially confirmed their intention to join the process, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Poland, and the Baltic states. The creation of this body aims to hold the Russian leadership accountable for the war it has unleashed.

Ukraine expects that once all preparatory procedures are completed, the tribunal will begin full-scale operations next year. Its organizational structure will be based on international support and the joint efforts of European institutions. This will provide a legal framework for prosecuting the crime of aggression, which does not fall under the direct jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

Poland has officially confirmed its intention to join the creation of a Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Warsaw submitted a corresponding declaration to the Council of Europe. The final formation of the mechanism is expected in May.

In Norway, Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with the country’s parliament the establishment of a special tribunal on Russia’s crime of aggression. They also discussed defense cooperation and new joint projects in the security sector.