When the special tribunal against russia will begin operating: Response from the President’s Office

The initial stages of creating a special tribunal to address the crime of aggression committed by Russia against Ukraine may be completed as early as this year. Full-scale operation is expected to begin in 2026.

This was stated by Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Iryna Mudra in a comment to "Ukrinform".

According to her, the year 2025 is expected to see the final formation of the legal framework for the future tribunal, including the selection of judges, the formation of a secretariat, and the adoption of procedural rules. Mudra emphasized that “justice in punishing those who commit the crime of aggression is inevitable.”

She also noted that a draft statute had already been prepared. It outlines in detail all aspects of the new judicial body's functioning. According to her, creating such a tribunal within two years is a rather fast pace, considering “the very complex and sensitive issues” that had to be agreed upon.

In addition, on May 9, a meeting of the foreign ministers of coalition member states is scheduled, where political approval is expected for a package of documents prepared by legal advisors from 40 countries. After that, according to Mudra, all the groundwork will be submitted to the Council of Europe to launch the actual implementation process.