Zelenskyy on Putin: Every Russian war criminal faces justice, including Putin

“Today's agreement to create the tribunal is just the beginning. And now we must take real steps to make it work. And it will take strong political and legal cooperation to make sure every Russian war criminal faces justice, including Putin,” he said.

According to Zelenskyy, this is the path that must be followed - from the very beginning to real charges and real verdicts. In this regard, the Ukrainian president called on the members of PACE to stay engaged and continue to be leaders as they have been so far.

“Some people understandably ask what a tribunal can really do, wouldn’t it be better to focus entirely on weapons, technology, and drones. Of course, military support for Ukraine, tough sanctions against Russia, and political pressure on the aggressor are all essential. And these are the things, that make Russia feel the true cost of this war. And yes, the aggressor must lose — and we are working on that. Ukrainians' lives must be protected. And I thank everyone who supports our defense,” he added.

Zelenskyy emphasized that justice also matters greatly. It must work in a way that leaves no place for war criminals to hide — neither in Europe nor anywhere else.

“Justice must work in a way that makes it clear to anyone planning such crimes of aggression that accountability is certain. And justice must work in a way that sets the legal principle, no rewards for aggression. That is why the crime of aggression must be recorded, judged, and punished. The Hague is perfect venue for it. The Hague is waiting for justice to be delivered,” the president stressed.

He added that every war criminal must face trial, including the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.

Addressing representatives of the parliaments of the Council of Europe member states, Zelenskyy said that real steps now need to be taken to make everything work.

“And this is the path we must walk all the way to real charges and real verdicts. And I urge you to stay involved and keep leading, just as you have done so far,” he emphasized.

Special tribunal against Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset signed an agreement to establish a special tribunal to prosecute crimes of aggression against Ukraine. This took place on June 25.

As is known, the special tribunal against Russia will have the status of an international body. The President of Ukraine signed the corresponding agreement.