Zelensky Calls for Putin and All Russian War Criminals to Stand Trial

In a new escalation against Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for the trial of all "Russian war criminals," emphasizing that accountability should include Russian President Vladimir Putin himself.

This came during his speech before the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, after signing a new agreement with the Council to establish a special court to examine what he described as the "Russian aggression" against Ukraine.

Zelensky stated that "trying war criminals requires political and judicial courage," clearly indicating the need for international action against senior Russian officials who were involved in planning or carrying out the invasion of Ukraine, stressing that justice should encompass all those involved.

This move comes in parallel with the signing of an official agreement between Kyiv and the Council of Europe to establish the special court, which was announced on May 9 in the Ukrainian city of Lviv.

The court is expected to be independent of the International Criminal Court, as the latter does not have the legal authority to try "acts of aggression" per se.

According to the agreement, the new court will have the authority to try senior Russian officials involved in the invasion, including President Putin himself.

This court is part of Ukraine and its Western allies' efforts to hold Russia internationally accountable for the war that began in February 2022.

The Council of Europe, the body overseeing human rights, democracy, and the rule of law on the continent, consists of 46 member states, including Ukraine, and expelled Russia from its membership in 2022 after its military attack on Ukrainian territories.

This development represents a significant turning point in Kyiv's pursuit of international justice, opening the door to a new legal and political phase in the ongoing conflict with Moscow.