NGO Tribunal Welcomes the Practical Launch of the Legal Phase for the Establishment of the STofCA

Kyiv, 23 June 2025 — NGO “Tribunal” officially welcomes the completion of the legal preparatory work for the creation of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression committed by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The expert coalition of participating states has approved the full package of founding documents — the agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, the statute of the tribunal, and an extended partial agreement enabling further states to join.

“This tribunal is unique in global practice: it is being established in the midst of war, not after its end,” emphasized Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Iryna Mudra.

NGO “Tribunal” believes this approach demonstrates strong political will and paves the way for genuine accountability of Russia’s top military and political leadership — and eventually also of accomplice states such as Belarus and North Korea.

The next crucial step is for the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to be formally mandated to establish the tribunal. This is expected by the end of June, during the meeting of the Committee of Ministers — bringing the tribunal into legal existence.

In parallel, preparations are already underway to ensure its operation: signing a host state agreement with the Netherlands to seat the tribunal in The Hague, preparing court facilities, and ensuring the necessary technical support. NGO “Tribunal” calls on all participating states to actively contribute to the funding and safeguarding the tribunal’s independence.

“Through this mechanism, the aggressor will understand that international law is not just a declaration, but a functioning instrument of justice,” stated NGO “Tribunal.”