CNN
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Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelensky has signed an agreement with the Council of Europe (COE) to establish a court that will allow for the prosecution of Russian officials who led the war with Ukraine.
Zelensky, along with Director-General of Strasbourg, France, signed the agreement on Wednesday in parallel with Alain Bellset, whose organization is headquartered.
The Ukrainian leaders portrayed a special court in retaining Russian officials responsible for his country’s full-scale invasion, starting in February 2022, at enormous human costs for over three years.
The establishment of a court is intended to expand the net for those who can attempt over a dispute. Focusing on crimes against humanity, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and several other well-known political and military Russian figures.
The new group will deal with attack crimes, particularly with regard to the use of the military against another state due to one condition. This is the first time a COE has established such a court.
“The court, officially launched today, creates a real opportunity to hold the leader of the Russian regime accountable for the crimes committed against our states and people,” the Ukrainian president wrote in X.
“We will continue to work to ensure justice for all victims. Criminals must face trial and be punished in The Hague.”
Berset said: “This historic signature reminds us that international law must apply to everything. There is no double standard without exception.”
Alongside Putin, the Hague-based ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian Presidential Commissioner Maria Lvova Belova in March 2023.
In March 2024, the court also issued a warrant for Victor Sokolov, a Russian naval officer and former commander of the Black Sea Fleet, and Sergei Kovilash, General Rulyu of the Russian army. The two have been accused of causing excessive and accidental harm to civilians and causing crimes against humanity for inhumane conduct.
Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations to end the war in Ukraine have largely stagnated despite mediation from the Trump administration.
After Moscow rejected its biggest demand and presented a ceasefire proposal based on Ukraine’s surrender, talks between Russia, Ukraine and third countries are struggling to make progress.
At the same time, Russia continues to intensify its attacks on Ukrainian cities. According to Ukrainian officials, Russian troops killed dozens of Ukrainian civilians within 48 hours on Monday and Tuesday.
