Justice for Ukraine.
Accountability for Aggression.
We advocate for the establishment of a Special International Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, ensuring that those most responsible are held accountable under international law.
We focus on closing the existing impunity gap in international justice by combining expert legal analysis, strategic advocacy, and public communication.
Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine
Why a Special Tribunal for Russia?
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine constitutes a crime of aggression – the most serious violation of international law, prohibited by the UN Charter. It is the crime from which all other atrocities flow.
While war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide can be prosecuted by existing courts, there is currently no international court with jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine. This creates a dangerous accountability gap.
A Special International Tribunal is
necessary to ensure that those who
planned , initiated , and executed
the aggression against Ukraine
are held personally responsible.
as defined by Article 8 bis of the Rome Statute
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Will Answer for Starting the War?
The crime of aggression concerns the illegal use of armed force by a state against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of another state.
It is a leadership crime, meaning responsibility lies with those in positions of political or military control — not soldiers, but decision-makers.
International law has long recognized aggression as the “supreme international crime”, because without it, the mass crimes that follow would not occur.
The crime of aggression is not about how the war is fought, but whether the war was lawful to begin with.
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War crimes address unlawful acts committed during hostilities (such as attacks on civilians).
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Crimes against humanity concern widespread or systematic attacks against civilian populations.
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Genocide targets the intent to destroy a protected group.
Aggression is different.
It concerns the illegal use of armed force by a state – the decision to invade another country in violation of international law.
Aggression is a leadership crime. It cannot be committed by soldiers. It is committed by those who planned, ordered, and directed the invasion.
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The Tribunal would focus on senior political and military leadership of the Russian Federation – individuals who had the power to direct or control the state’s actions.
This includes those responsible for:
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planning the invasion,
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authorizing the use of force,
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continuing the war in manifest violation of international law.
The Tribunal is not about collective guilt. It is about individual criminal responsibility.
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) can prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed in Ukraine.
However, due to jurisdictional limits, the ICC cannot prosecute Russia’s leaders for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
As a result:
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the architects of the war escape justice,
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accountability is fragmented,
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the core violation of international law remains unpunished.
A Special Tribunal is the only viable legal mechanism to address this crime.
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The Special Tribunal would be an international court, composed of independent judges, prosecutors, and staff appointed through international procedures and acting under international law.
It would operate separately from Ukrainian national courts and existing international mechanisms, while complementing them.
Quotes
Global Voices on Accountability
For there to be responsibility for aggression, a Special Tribunal is needed - in addition to the International Criminal Court. And we are doing everything to create such a tribunal
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
President of Ukraine
Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea and now all of Ukraine. On it goes. Let him reap what he has sowed, including the legacy of Nuremberg. Investigate him personally for this most terrible of crimes.
Philipe Sands
British and French writer and lawyer
“Russia must be held accountable for its heinous crimes, including the crime of aggression. There can be no impunity.”
Ursula von der Leyen
President of the European Commission
International law loses its meaning if crimes of aggression go unpunished. A Special Tribunal is both lawful and necessary.
Baroness Helena Kennedy KC
IBAHRI Director
“Russia’s aggression is a grave violation of international law. Accountability is essential to defend the rules-based international order.”
Charles Michel,
President of the European Council
Those responsible for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine must be held to account.
Antony Blinken
Former U.S. Secretary of State
Those responsible for this war of aggression must not go unpunished. International justice is indispensable.
Olaf Scholz
Federal Chancellor of Germany
No one in the 21st century must be allowed to wage a war of aggression and go unpunished.
Annalena Baerbock
President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
"There can be no just and sustainable peace without accountability"
Marija Pejčinović Burić
Secretary General of the Council of Europe
Peace cannot be built on impunity. Accountability for aggression is a necessary condition for lasting security in Europe.
Emmanuel Macron
President of France
The Nuremberg precedent shows that leaders who wage wars of aggression can and must be prosecuted. Putin should be no exception.
Mark L. Wolf
Senior U.S. Federal Judge
ABOUT US
NGO Tribunal
NGO Tribunal is a Ukrainian NGO founded in 2014 in the aftermath of the Maidan Revolution and Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea.
Our mission is to advance accountability and justice for aggression against Ukraine.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, our primary focus has been advocating for a Special Tribunal capable of prosecuting the crime of aggression at the level of Russia’s top leadership.
Supporting the Special Tribunal Process
We assist Ukrainian representatives and international partners involved in the Core Group by providing expert input, legal reasoning, and practical recommendations on the design and mandate of the Special Tribunal. Our goal is to help overcome legal and political deadlocks and enable informed, timely decision-making.
Convening Legal and
Policy Experts
We bring together leading international lawyers, academics, analysts, and practitioners to develop credible, well-grounded proposals on key issues such as tribunal models, immunities, jurisdiction, and legitimacy. These expert insights are translated into actionable recommendations for policymakers.
WHAT WE DO
Mobilizing International Support
We work with governments, international organisations, NGOs, and civil society to build broad international backing for the Special Tribunal. Through coordination hubs, public events, and partnerships, we strengthen global advocacy for accountability for aggression.
Educating Media and Shaping Public Discourse
We support accurate and responsible media coverage of the crime of aggression and the Special Tribunal by providing journalists with methodological guidance, briefings, and expert access. Clear public understanding is essential for sustaining international support.
WHAT WE DO
WHAT WE DO
Creating Platforms
for Dialogue
We organise conferences, expert meetings, and public discussions in Ukraine and abroad to keep the issue of accountability for aggression visible, informed, and policy-relevant.
Defending
International Law
By advocating for accountability for aggression, we work to uphold the UN Charter, reinforce the prohibition of aggressive war, and protect the integrity of the international legal order.
NEWS
Justice in Action
HOW TO HELP
Join Us to Turn Law into Action
Justice requires commitment, expertise, and solidarity. There are several ways you can support our work and contribute to accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
Donate
Your contribution helps sustain legal research, international advocacy, expert convenings, and public outreach in support of a Special International Tribunal.
Every donation strengthens the fight against impunity.
Volunteer
We welcome lawyers, researchers, communications specialists, translators, and advocacy professionals who want to contribute their skills to a just cause.
Your expertise can make a real impact.
Partner With Us
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Partnerships amplify accountability.
Share and Advocate
Help keep the issue of justice for Ukraine visible. Share our work, engage decision-makers, and support initiatives advancing international accountability.
Public pressure matters.
Those Who Stand With Us
CONTACT US
Let’s Work for Accountability Together