Crime of aggression against Ukraine to be investigated by special tribunal

The aggression of Russia is not just an attack on Ukraine, but a blow against the entire international system that protects the security and rights of all states. "That's why we must act now," Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi said. He attended a ministerial meeting of the coalition of states who decided to establish a Special Criminal Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

The tribunal will be an independent international court dedicated to prosecuting crimes of aggression committed by the political and military leadership of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. It will complement the existing international justice mechanisms, as the International Criminal Court does not have full competence to investigate this type of crime.

The Republic of Moldova was part of the working group that for more than two years, contributed to the legal and diplomatic foundation of the new mechanism. At the meeting in Lviv, Popșoi reaffirmed our country's strong support for this essential step.


This tribunal is a necessity for the entire international community. Only through justice can we ensure accountability and deter future acts of aggression. This aggression is not just an attack on Ukraine, but a blow against the entire international system that protects the security and rights of all states. History will judge us by our actions. That's why we must act now," the Moldovan official said.


During the meeting, Lviv Declaration was adopted, enshrining the common commitment to hold accountable the perpetrators of the crime of aggression - the basis for all other atrocities committed in Ukraine.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, officials from the European Commission and the EU, as well as foreign ministers from the countries that contributed to preparing the documents for the new tribunal's functioning.

The next stage in creating the new international court will take place on May 14, 2025, in Luxembourg, when Ukraine will officially present the Council of Europe with the drafts of legal instruments set up by the working group. This step will mark the launch of the procedure to establish the Tribunal by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe during the ministerial session.