Zelenskyy to Address Council of Europe Amid Push for Ukraine Aggression Tribunal

Ukraine has remained the Council of Europe’s top priority since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, which led to the exclusion of the Russian Federation on March 16, 2022.

RMN News Political Desk
June 24, 2025

Strasbourg, France – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine is set to make his first historic visit to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on June 25, 2025. This visit comes at a crucial time as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine intensifies, marked by some of the deadliest attacks since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022.

Invited by Secretary General Alain Berset, President Zelenskyy’s visit underscores the Council of Europe’s commitment to justice and accountability for the ongoing conflict.

Key Focus: Special Tribunal for Aggression: A primary purpose of President Zelenskyy’s visit is to engage with the Council of Europe’s efforts to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

• He is scheduled to address the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, currently presided over by Ian Borg, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism.
• The Committee of Ministers is in the process of finalising the legal instruments necessary to launch this Tribunal, following its endorsement of the Tribunal’s establishment at its annual meeting in Luxembourg on May 14, 2025.
• Secretary General Alain Berset emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Aggression must not go unpunished”. He further noted that “This Special Tribunal is to deliver accountability and ensure that those who bear the greatest responsibility are held to account. Because without accountability, there can be no lasting peace — for Ukraine, and for Europe”.

Addressing the Parliamentary Assembly: In addition to the Committee of Ministers, President Zelenskyy has also been invited by President Theodoros Rousopoulos of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to address the Assembly during its Summer Session. He is expected to answer questions from members of PACE.

• PACE has been a consistent advocate for full accountability for Russia’s war.
• PACE President Rousopoulos expressed strong support, stating, “We warmly welcome President Zelenskyy to Strasbourg, where he is among friends and allies”. He also highlighted PACE’s pioneering role, declaring, “I am proud that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe was the first international body to call for a tribunal to try Russia’s political and military leaders for unleashing this terrible war, and the staggering suffering it has caused. Justice will be done”.

Broader Council of Europe Efforts for Ukraine: Ukraine has remained the Council of Europe’s top priority since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, which led to the exclusion of the Russian Federation on March 16, 2022. The Council of Europe’s ongoing commitment is firmly anchored in achieving justice, ensuring accountability, and supporting Ukraine’s recovery. This comprehensive effort includes:

• The work of the European Court of Human Rights, which serves as the only international court adjudicating violations of human rights in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
• The Register of Damage, which is now fully operational and has received over 34,000 claims to date.
• The future Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression, central to the current discussions.

President Zelenskyy’s visit is expected to reinforce international efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure a path towards lasting peace for Ukraine and Europe.