The Guardian: Biden's Administration Beginning To Support Idea Of Special Tribunal For Russia

There is a draft resolution at the UN to create such a tribunal.

Key figures in US President Joe Biden's administration are now more inclined to create a military tribunal to investigate war crimes during Russia's attack on Ukraine and the role of Russia's leadership in the war. This was reported by the British newspaper The Guardian quoting the US State Department's Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, Beth Van Schaak.

According to Beth Van Schaak, initially the US did not take a firm stance regarding the special tribunal. Some key players in Joe Biden's inner circle have reconsidered their position after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted on establishing such a tribunal.

"We are looking at all aspects and certainly support taking some interim measures, especially when it comes to saving the evidence," said Beth Van Schaak. "This is something that President Zelensky is very concerned about. It's what Ukraine wants and I think it will make a big difference".

According to Beth Van Schaak, diplomats are discussing options for the special tribunal. Two options are being considered as key ones. The first suggests that it would be a court set up jointly by Ukraine and the UN. The second option is an internal court set up by Ukraine with the EU or the Council of Europe, with an international element added, possibly to be approved by a vote at the UN General Assembly.

Both would involve prosecution for the crime of aggression. "There will be a limited number of defendants, probably the top political leadership and possibly some senior military figures," she said.

According to the Guardian, there is a draft resolution at the UN to create such a tribunal.