STORY
In a significant move towards international justice, the United Kingdom and over 30 global partners have formally endorsed the establishment of a Special Tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression committed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The announcement came as UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Lviv to join European counterparts in reaffirming their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and pursuit of accountability. The proposed tribunal, to be created through an agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, aims to hold Russia’s political and military leadership accountable for initiating an illegal war in violation of the UN Charter. The International Criminal Court (ICC) currently lacks jurisdiction over the crime of aggression in this context, prompting the need for a dedicated legal mechanism.
“We stand for a just and lasting peace, for a secure Europe, and for accountability and justice” said Lammy. “I have been supportive of a Special Tribunal to prosecute Russia’s leaders for their war of aggression since March 2022, just weeks after Putin’s full-scale invasion.” The UK’s backing of the tribunal coincides with the announcement of a major sanctions package targeting 110 entities linked to Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers. These vessels have been used to circumvent existing sanctions and finance the ongoing war effort. According to UK officials, sanctions have already impacted nearly half of Russia’s fleet, significantly disrupting its oil export capabilities. The Lviv summit gathered foreign ministers from at least 37 countries, including EU and NATO members, to discuss legal and diplomatic strategies for ensuring justice and long-term peace in Ukraine. The tribunal is expected to complement ongoing investigations by the ICC and Ukrainian prosecutors into war crimes and crimes against humanity.
This diplomatic show of unity comes on the same day Russia held its annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, commemorating the end of World War II. The event was attended by international figures including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, drawing criticism from European leaders who view such participation as undermining efforts to hold Russia accountable. The UK has been a leading advocate for justice since the early days of the invasion, providing legal expertise, financial support, and training to Ukrainian prosecutors. In December 2023, the UK pledged an additional £3.7 million to support war crimes investigations, building on previous commitments to bolster Ukraine’s domestic accountability efforts.