Netherlands to host The Hague special tribunal that tries Putin for war crimes
Russian leader Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
The start of the work of the Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine will be an important moment of retribution for Russia's war crimes and genocide, according to a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram.
Zelenskyy thanked the Netherlands for the Special Tribunal
The President stated that he had a very substantive conversation with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
"Today, I also want to thank the Netherlands for its historic decision to host the fully-fledged Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. This decision will make it possible to hold Russia’s highest political and military leadership accountable for the crime of aggression itself, not only for its consequences."
Russian strikes on Ukraine continue
Zelenskyy also informed Jetten about the consequences of the latest Russian strikes.
"Today, the rubble clearance operation after the attack overnight into Thursday was completed in Kyiv. That terrorist strike alone claimed the lives of 30 people. My condolences to all the families and loved ones of the victims."
The President noted that the support of Ukraine's friends regarding steps to protect life is important.
"Air defense remains one of the key areas of our cooperation with the Netherlands. We also agreed on the schedule of our next meetings. I thank the Netherlands for its solidarity and support."
What is known about the Special Tribunal
On May 15, at a meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, a key decision was approved in the procedure for launching the Special Tribunal on the crime of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine had received official confirmation of the Special Tribunal's placement. The Netherlands officially confirmed that it will be based in The Hague.
In January 2026, the EU allocated the first 10 million euros to establish the new Special Tribunal to prosecute Russian leaders over Russia's war against Ukraine.
