**Russian President Vladimir Putin to Face Trial Only if Physically Present in Court**
The Council of Europe’s special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine has made a significant decision regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Euronews, citing unnamed European officials, Putin will not be tried in absentia while he remains in office.
This means that Putin and other top Russian officials, including Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, can only be put on trial if they are physically present at the tribunal. Given Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine and lack of cooperation with the West, this scenario is highly unlikely.
However, once Putin leaves office, he and other high-level Russian officials may be tried in absentia. This provision was included in the legal documents establishing the special tribunal as a “compromise” and is now considered a “done deal,” according to an EU official.
The international community has been discussing ways to address Russia’s crime of aggression in Ukraine since 2022. The Council of Europe first proposed the special tribunal, which is still being established. A core group of countries and political bodies, including the European Parliament and NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly, have met several times to discuss the establishment of the special tribunal.
The provision on trials in absentia was included in the legal documents establishing the special tribunal, including a bilateral agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, the statute of the special tribunal, and an agreement detailing its management. Kyiv is expected to sign the bilateral agreement on May 9.
**Commentary**
This decision not to try Putin in absentia while he remains in office reflects the complexities and challenges of holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine. The international community has struggled to find a way to address Russia’s aggression, and this provision may be seen as a compromise or a necessary concession.
However, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of the special tribunal in bringing perpetrators to justice. If Putin and other high-level Russian officials can only be tried if they are physically present at the tribunal, it is unclear how realistic it is that they will ever face trial.
The involvement of Chinese nationals in Russia’s war against Ukraine has also been highlighted, with President Volodymyr Zelensky stating that this appears to be part of a “systemic” recruitment effort organized by Moscow. This raises concerns about the role of other countries in supporting or enabling Russia’s aggression.
**Analysis**
The decision not to try Putin in absentia while he remains in office reflects the ongoing challenges and complexities of addressing Russia’s crime of aggression in Ukraine. The special tribunal is still being established, and its effectiveness will depend on several factors, including the cooperation of Russia and other countries involved.
The provision on trials in absentia may be seen as a compromise or a necessary concession, but it also raises questions about the ability of the special tribunal to bring perpetrators to justice. Ultimately, this decision reflects the ongoing tensions between Russia and the international community and highlights the need for continued diplomatic efforts to address these challenges.
**Related News**
* The involvement of Chinese nationals in Russia’s war against Ukraine has raised concerns about the role of other countries in supporting or enabling Russia’s aggression.
* Prince Harry visited a facility in Lviv that provides prosthetics and rehabilitation to Ukrainians wounded by war, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian impact of the conflict.
* A proposed law in the US aims to confiscate oil cargoes transported by vessels blacklisted by the Treasury Department, with proceeds directed towards reducing the national debt.