Fri May 09 15:08:19 UTC 2025: ## International Tribunal to Prosecute Putin for Ukraine Invasion

**LVIV, UKRAINE** – A special international tribunal will be established to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin and his ministers accountable for the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, European Union foreign ministers announced Friday in Lviv. The “Lviv statement” formalizes the creation of this body, following months of technical work.

The initiative, endorsed by Ukraine’s European allies, aims to address the lack of accountability for the aggression against Ukraine. EU High Representative Josep Borrell stressed that Russia’s actions cannot go unpunished. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the moral imperative for holding Russia responsible and deterring future aggression. The Kremlin, however, dismissed the news, refusing to comment.

While respecting Putin’s current immunity from prosecution, the tribunal will be empowered to investigate and prepare indictments for when that immunity is lifted, according to EU officials. The tribunal’s establishment has been lauded by various international figures as filling a crucial gap in prosecuting leaders for the crime of aggression. Although a start date for operations has not been given, it is expected to begin this year.

This tribunal complements existing legal actions, including the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s arrest warrants against Putin for war crimes.

In related news, France announced it will utilize funds from frozen Russian assets to maintain the Caesar howitzers provided to Ukraine. This move underscores the continued Western support for Ukraine’s defense efforts. Furthermore, the EU pledged €1 billion ($1.1 billion) from frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s defense industry.

These developments come as Putin asserted Russia’s victory in a military parade attended by key allies, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. The international community’s push for accountability contrasts sharply with Putin’s claims of success.

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