A Dutch proposal could make accountability for the Russian invasion a central NATO topic in Ankara next week. The Hague may host the tribunal’s initial proceedings.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated that the issue of establishing a special tribunal for the crime of aggression by Russia against Ukraine would become one of the key topics at the upcoming NATO summit.
In a post on X, he expressed the view that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine cannot go unpunished, and urged the creation of a special tribunal to bring those responsible for this aggression to account.
The Dutch government previously decided to be ready to host the Special Tribunal, including regarding the operational phase of the judicial process under certain conditions.
Russian aggression against Ukraine cannot go unpunished. That is why it is necessary to create a special tribunal to bring those responsible for this aggression to justice.
– Rob Jetten
Key nuances and context for the NATO summit in Ankara
Jetten also added that support for Ukraine continues, and the tribunal issue will be one of the main topics at the NATO summit in Ankara next week.
According to official data, the Netherlands has identified a site for the initial phase of the Special Tribunal in The Hague’s international zone.
On July 3, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke by phone with the Dutch Prime Minister to thank him for the historic decision to host a full-fledged Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Zelensky noted that this step will allow holding accountable not only for the consequences but also the higher political and military leadership of Russia for the crime of aggression itself.
The findings point to the potential impact of such an initiative on the international-law response and prospects for holding those responsible to account in the future. It is expected that these issues will be a priority at the upcoming NATO summit.
Such steps could serve as a meaningful signal for international justice and strengthen accountability for aggressive actions on the international stage, while reflecting the Allies’ shared approach to ensuring security and trust among Alliance members.