Switzerland Backs Special Tribunal to Prosecute Aggression Against Ukraine

Switzerland has joined 35 other countries and the European Union in supporting the creation of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

The announcement was made during a meeting of foreign ministers organised by the Council of Europe in Chișinău.

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset described the initiative as a decisive step toward establishing accountability for the attack on Ukraine. He said the tribunal represents “justice and hope” and stressed that political commitments must now be transformed into practical action through financing and operational support.

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis confirmed that Switzerland intends to support the tribunal, pending approval from the Swiss parliament.

According to Cassis, Switzerland fully supports the Council of Europe’s action plan for Ukraine and aims to send a clear international signal against impunity. He also highlighted Switzerland’s participation in the Register of Damages and the international framework designed to support compensation mechanisms related to the war.

The tribunal’s role will focus specifically on investigating and prosecuting individuals considered primarily responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. It aims to complement the work of the International Criminal Court, which currently investigates war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide but lacks jurisdiction over the crime of aggression in this case.

The new court would become the first special tribunal established under the authority of the Council of Europe. Russia was expelled from the organisation following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022.

For the tribunal to become operational, support from at least 16 countries is required. Supporters say the initiative strengthens international law and reinforces efforts to pursue accountability for acts of aggression during armed conflict.