Step forward to be taken in establishing tribunal for Russia in April 2025 – CoE chief

He said this at a press conference in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Berset expressed he that in April 2025, “we” will be able to do practical steps to launch the work of the special tribunal, adding that good prospects are seen toward achieving progress next year.

He added that this requires the broadest possible support from as many countries as possible.

The CoE secretary general clarified that by saying "we", he meant not only the Council of Eure.

Read also: Rada Speaker, CoE chief discuss return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia

At the same time, according to Berset, if necessary, the Council of Eure will also be ready to join, in particular, to devel a framework within which the parties could work.

The official said he could not provide any more details so far while remaining confident that the parties would achieve progress on this path. The process is currently ongoing, he assured, noting that a step forward should be expected.

As Ukrinform reported, President Vodymyr Zelensky met with the Secretary General of the Council of Eure, Alain Berset, to discuss the need to create a special tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Read also: Ukrainian president, CoE secretary general discuss special tribunal for Russia

Together with its partners, Ukraine is promoting the creation of a special tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine. The establishment of the tribunal was supported by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Eure, the Eurean Parliament, NATO Parliamentary Assembly, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and individual states.

The Secretary General of the Council of Eure Alain Berset arrived in Ukraine on Wednesday, December 4, for a visit.