The Council of Europe has agreed to set up a tribunal to prosecute those deemed most responsible for the war in Ukraine.
The court, which will be set up in the Hague in the Netherlands, is already being dubbed ‘Putin’s Court’.
Foreign ministers representing the 46 members of the Council of Europe agreed this morning to set up a “Special Tribunal to investigate, prosecute and try individuals who bear the greatest responsibility for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.”
“The Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine will make history: it will hold the highest political and military leadership of the aggressor and its accomplices to account,” said Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha.
“I urge all states — both in Europe and beyond — to join this historic effort. Justice for the crime of aggression against Ukraine is essential for a lasting peace in Europe.”
Ireland has already indicated that it will join the tribunal.
Andrii Sybiha said it was evidence of Ireland’s “consistent and principled support of all accountability efforts.”
It is understood that the court will be set up in a dedicated building.
A Dutch minister today confirmed that they had indentified the location which would be kept secret for now for security reasons.
So far 36 countries, as well as the European Union, have committed to joining the tribunal.
It is understood that a court that would try Putin and other senior Russian figures in absentia and by video link will likely cost in the “tens of millions” of Euro.
If member states want to bring suspects to the Hague for trials in person, that price would rise significantly because a dedicated prison would have to be built.
Many of the details for how the tribunal will work still need to be agreed.
The Council of Europe has also established an International Claims Commission for Ukraine which could ultimately see individuals, as well as the state, being able to demand compensation from Russia.
“The claims commission will help assess the damage caused by Russia’s war and support efforts to secure compensation for Ukraine in the future. Ireland should continue to stand with Ukraine and support international law and accountability,” said Ireland’s foreign minister, Helen McEntee TD speaking in the Dáil earlier this morning.
Ireland ratified its part in the convention this morning.