Zelenskyy Calls for Trial of Putin as a War Criminal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has intensified calls for accountability regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia, labeling Russian President Vladimir Putin a “war criminal” for his role in the invasion of Ukraine. In a significant move late Wednesday, Zelenskyy signed an agreement with the Council of Europe aimed at establishing a specialized tribunal to hold Russian officials, including Putin, accountable for their actions during the war.
Zelenskyy’s remarks underscored the importance of unity among European nations, conveying that aggression must be met with legal repercussions. “We need to show clearly, aggression leads to punishment, and we must make it happen together, all of Europe,” he asserted following his meeting with Council of Europe Secretary-General Alain Berset.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment, as it is the first tribunal of its kind created under the auspices of the Council of Europe, which serves as a leading advocate for human rights across the continent. The establishment of the tribunal is designed to address the “crime of aggression”, which encompasses Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022. This new tribunal may potentially bring senior Russian officials, including Putin, to justice.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued an arrest warrant for Putin, stemming from allegations of war crimes related to the illegal transportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. While the ICC has the authority to investigate serious crimes such as war crimes and genocide, it lacks jurisdiction over “crimes of aggression,” making the proposed tribunal an essential mechanism for seeking justice.
Although the final location for the tribunal has not yet been determined, Zelenskyy suggested that The Hague, home to the ICC, would be an ideal setting. This initiative has garnered support from various European leaders, with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasizing the tribunal’s importance for Ukraine as a path to justice against the invasion.
The Council of Europe, a body comprising 46 member states that champions human rights, is taking a bold step by proposing a tribunal that could also investigate others who may have aided Russia, including individuals from North Korea and Belarus. Following Russia’s expulsion from the organization after the invasion, the Council aims to reinforce accountability and uphold international law.
As these developments unfold, the international community watches closely, recognizing the tribunal’s potential to alter the landscape of justice for wartime actions for both Ukraine and beyond, reinforcing the principle that no leader is above the law.
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