Austria will join the agreement on the Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression
Austria has officially confirmed its intention to join the Expanded Partial Agreement on the Special Tribunal for Russia’s Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
Vienna has become the 20th participant in this international initiative, which aims to hold the senior political and military leadership of the aggressor country accountable.
The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that establishing justice is the foundation for achieving lasting peace on the continent.
Austria’s decision marked a significant diplomatic step, as the country traditionally adheres to a policy of neutrality.
However, the ministry’s official statement clearly states: “Accountability is a key pillar of Austria’s foreign policy. Without accountability, lasting peace in Ukraine is impossible.”
This underscores Vienna’s solidarity with the international community regarding the inevitability of punishment for war crimes.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga welcomed this step by Austria’s partners, specifically noting the role of his counterpart, Federal Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger.
He emphasized that Austria’s active participation in the tribunal’s preparatory process is further proof that neutral status does not prevent a country from taking a principled stance.
“Neutrality does not mean indifference,” the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stressed.
The Special Tribunal is being established under the auspices of the Council of Europe to investigate the crime of aggression, which does not fall under the direct jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
Austria’s participation in the Extended Partial Agreement will allow the country to directly influence the formation of the Steering Committee and the operational activities of the future judicial body.
France has joined the agreement on the special tribunal regarding Russian aggression
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset stated that a special tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine could be established as early as this year following the approval of an international agreement.
