President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he has signed documents to ratify the agreement establishing a Special Tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The president announced this on Telegram, as reported by Ukrinform.
“I have just signed the ratification documents for the agreement establishing a Special Tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine. The agreement was recently signed between our country and the Council of Europe and must now be swiftly ratified to launch the tribunal’s actual implementation process,” Zelensky stated.
He also instructed the Verkhovna Rada to promptly draft and adopt the necessary legislative amendments to ensure Ukraine’s full compliance with and implementation of the agreement.
“I ask MPs to consider this issue immediately,” Zelensky stated.
The president also emphasized the importance of coordinated action between Ukrainian institutions and international partners: “I expect the teams from Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office to swiftly present a relevant timeline for working with our partners to implement the agreement and officially launch the institution.”
“Already this year, Russia must feel that their responsibility for the crime of aggression is inevitable and that the international legal process to bring Russia to justice has actually begun. Aggression is a crime, and holding Russia unequivocally accountable for it is in the interest of everyone worldwide who desires peace for their people,” Zelensky said.
As Ukrinform reported, on June 25, Zelensky signed an agreement with the Council of Europe to establish a Special Tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine at the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg. On behalf of the Council of Europe, the document was signed by Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset.
After the signing of the main agreement on the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine, another (additional) agreement is to be signed by the Netherlands. After that, the parliaments of the Council of Europe countries and Ukraine will have to ratify the main document.
Source: Zelensky calls on VR to swiftly ratify agreement on Special Tribunal for crime of Russian aggression
