France and Austria Join Coalition for Special Tribunal on Russia's War Crimes

France and Austria have officially confirmed their participation in the Enlarged Partial Agreement regarding the Special Tribunal aimed at addressing Russia's war crimes in Ukraine. This announcement was made by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on April 15, 2026, expressing gratitude for their commitment to this significant initiative. With these additions, the total number of participating countries has reached 20, including 19 Council of Europe member states. Sybiha emphasized the importance of accountability in achieving lasting peace in Europe, stating, “Each new participant cements the truth: justice for the crime of aggression against Ukraine is inevitable.”

United24 MediaAustria joins agreement on special tribunal on Russian aggressionLaunch of Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression: 18 Countries Have Already Joined the Agreement

On April 14, Poland and Iceland also committed to joining the agreement, marking a crucial step toward the tribunal's establishment. The agreement will be presented for approval at the upcoming Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers meeting scheduled for May 14-15, 2026, in Chisinau.

Launch of Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression: 18 Countries Have Already Joined the Agreement

The establishment of the Special Tribunal is a response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy having ratified an agreement with the Council of Europe in 2025. This agreement signifies a concerted effort to prosecute Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. Zelenskyy has underscored the urgency of securing swift parliamentary approval and the necessity of collaboration with international partners to ensure the tribunal's operational launch.

United24 MediaLaunch of Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression: 18 Countries Have Already Joined the AgreementAustria joins agreement on special tribunal on Russian aggression

Austria's Foreign Ministry articulated that accountability is a key trajectory of its foreign policy, asserting that “there can be no lasting peace in Ukraine without accountability.” Sybiha welcomed Austria's decision, reiterating that neutrality does not equate to indifference and that accountability is essential for lasting peace in Europe.

Austria joins agreement on special tribunal on Russian aggression

While the coalition for the Special Tribunal is gaining momentum, some critics argue that the effectiveness of such a tribunal may be limited by political considerations and the complexities of international law. Concerns have been raised about the potential for delays in the tribunal's establishment and the challenges of enforcing its decisions.

Launch of Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression: 18 Countries Have Already Joined the Agreement

The upcoming vote at the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers will be a pivotal moment for the Special Tribunal. If approved, the tribunal could begin its work by the end of 2026, marking a significant step in international efforts to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes in Ukraine.

Launch of Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression: 18 Countries Have Already Joined the Agreement

• “I am grateful to France for officially confirming its intent to join the Enlarged Partial Agreement on the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal.” — Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister

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• “Accountability is a key trajectory of Austria's foreign policy. There can be no lasting peace in Ukraine without accountability,” — Austrian Foreign Ministry

Austria joins agreement on special tribunal on Russian aggression

• “Each new participant cements the truth: justice for the crime of aggression against Ukraine is inevitable.” — Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister

United24 Media