France, Austria Join Growing Coalition for Special Tribunal on Russia’s War Crimes

France and Austria have officially confirmed their intention to join the Enlarged Partial Agreement regarding the Special Tribunal’s Management Committee to address Russia's war crimes in Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced these development on X, expressing gratitude to both countries for their commitment to this significant initiative.

“I am grateful to France for officially confirming its intent to join the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal. Already 18 Council of Europe member states are in,” Sybiha stated on April 15.

Just a day later, on April 16, Austria announced its decision to join its agreement, bringing the total number of participating countries to 20, including 19 Council of Europe member states.

He emphasized that Austria’s involvement is a demonstration of the critical role of accountability in achieving lasting peace across Europe, underscoring that neutrality does not equate to indifference.

“Each new participant cements the truth: justice for the crime of aggression against Ukraine is inevitable. This historic accountability effort strengthens our positions and worldwide respect for international law,” Sybiha said, emphasizing the historical importance of this effort.

In addition, on April 14, Poland and Iceland have officially committed to joining the agreement for the creation of a Special Tribunal to prosecute Russia for its crime of aggression against Ukraine, marking a crucial step towards securing the tribunal's establishment. Sybiha highlighted that the agreement on the Special Tribunal’s steering committee will be presented for approval at the upcoming Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers meeting in Chisinau on May 14-15.

In 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy formally ratified an agreement with the Council of Europe, marking a significant step forward in the establishment of a Special Tribunal aimed at prosecuting Russia for its crime of aggression against Ukraine.

Zelenskyy highlighted the urgency of securing swift parliamentary approval and emphasized the importance of close collaboration with international partners to ensure the tribunal’s operational launch.

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