36 Countries, Including Ukraine and the EU, Approve Special Tribunal to Prosecute Russia for Invasion
On May 15, 2026, 36 countries, including Ukraine, the EU, Australia, and Costa Rica, approved the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The decision was made during talks in Moldova, with the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe participating. The tribunal aims to address the 'crime of aggression' under international law.
Where Sources Diverge
France24 and SCMP mention 34 European states plus Australia and Costa Rica, while Straits Times and DW refer to 36 countries.
Thirty-four European states – along with Australia and Costa Rica – said Friday they would join a proposed special tribunal for Ukraine.
Thirty-four European states plus Australia, Costa Rica and the EU said on Friday they would join a future special tribunal for Ukraine to prosecute Russia over its invasion of the country.
Thirty-six countries approve creation of special tribunal for Ukraine.
At talks in Moldova, more than 30 countries have said they will join a future special tribunal for Ukraine prosecuting Russia over its invasion.
Timelines
Sources
Thirty-four European states – along with Australia and Costa Rica – said Friday they would join a proposed special tribunal for Ukraine. The future legal body would allow Kyiv to prosecute Russia for a "crime of aggression" over its invasion.
At talks in Moldova, more than 30 countries have said they will join a future special tribunal for Ukraine prosecuting Russia over its invasion. How the body will force Russians to stand trial is not clear.
Thirty-four European states plus Australia, Costa Rica and the EU said on Friday they would join a future special tribunal for Ukraine to prosecute Russia over its invasion of the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an accord with the Council of Europe last year to create a legal body to prosecute the “crime of aggression” in the invasion Russia launched in February 2022. The Council of Ministers, comprising foreign ministers from the organisation’s 46-member states, in a...
Thirty-six countries approve creation of special tribunal for Ukraine The Straits Times