Portugal Joins Efforts to Establish Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine

Portugal has announced its participation in the creation of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine — a significant step forward in advancing international justice and accountability.

The announcement was made by Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, who described the country’s “complete participation” as a “very important development.” The decision reflects growing international momentum behind efforts to hold Russia’s political and military leadership accountable for the crime of aggression.

According to Minister Rangel, the decision followed discussions among European foreign ministers, who convened in Bucha — a city that became a global symbol of atrocities committed during the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Portugal was represented at the meeting by Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Inês Domingos.

The Special Tribunal is being established to prosecute individuals responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine — the leadership-level crime that underpins the broader war. It is designed to complement the work of the International Criminal Court, which is already investigating war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide related to the conflict.

The legal foundation for the Tribunal was laid through an agreement signed on June 25, 2025, between Ukraine and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The Tribunal will be formally established once participating states provide the necessary legal, political, and financial commitments.

Portugal’s decision to fully engage in the process adds to a growing coalition of states supporting the creation of the Tribunal. Each new commitment strengthens the prospects of closing the accountability gap at the highest level of leadership and reinforces the principle that acts of aggression cannot go unpunished.

The continued expansion of international support underscores a clear message: justice for Ukraine is not only a national priority but a matter of global security and the integrity of international law.