Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared before the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe that "justice must prevail against all perpetrators of war crimes in Ukraine – including Russian President Vladimir Putin."

Key Statements:

1. On International Condemnation:
   "The international community, led by the Council of Europe, has been unequivocal: Russia’s actions constitute crimes, and any attempts to legitimize its occupation of Ukrainian land are categorically rejected."

2. On Europe-Wide Threat:
   "Russia’s attack is not just an assault on Ukraine – it is a direct attack on the entire European continent." He urged member states to uphold international law and ensure no war criminal escapes accountability.

3. Special Tribunal for Aggression:
   Zelenskyy signed a landmark agreement with the Council to establish a Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression, targeting senior Russian officials responsible for launching the war in violation of the UN Charter.

Legal Context of the Tribunal:

• Jurisdictional Gap: The ICC can prosecute war crimes but lacks authority over the crime of aggression in this context.

• Framework: Operating under the Council of Europe’s legal structure, the tribunal will complement ICC efforts.

• Next Steps: Member states may join via a "Partial Expanded Agreement" – discussions to advance once participation intentions are declared.

Additional Council of Europe Initiatives for Ukraine:

• War Damage Register: Over 34,000 claims already submitted.

• Compensation Commission: Plans underway to address reparations.

• ECHR’s Role: Remains the only international court adjudicating human rights violations stemming from Russia’s war.

Why This Matters:

• Precedent Setting: First tribunal focused solely on the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

• European Solidarity: Reinforces Ukraine’s 1995 Council membership amid existential threat.

• Accountability Pipeline: Bridges gaps between ICC prosecutions (war crimes) and broader justice for the war’s architects.