Frozen Russian Assets Could Fund Special Tribunal, Says Sobolev

What Happened

On April 21, 2026, Serhiy Sobolev, the First Deputy Head of Ukraine's Parliamentary Assembly delegation to the Council of Europe, commented on the challenges facing the establishment of a Special Tribunal to address aggression committed by Russia against Ukraine. He emphasized that securing funding for the tribunal remains a primary obstacle.

Sobolev indicated that utilizing frozen Russian assets could be one of the most straightforward solutions to this financial issue. He highlighted that while direct funding from the European Union is possible, unblocking these frozen assets specifically for the tribunal's establishment could alleviate funding concerns entirely.

Key Details

Sobolev stressed that various avenues exist to fund the tribunal. He pointed out that necessary financial support could come from direct assistance from the European Union. He stated, "The EU could provide funds through individual member states that support the tribunal." He also raised the issue of coordinating with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, about the possibility of closer collaboration with the EU to achieve this goal.

In a discussion with Secretary General Alesksei Berze, Sobolev noted that the Secretary General mentioned ongoing dialogues with the European Commission regarding the issue. Sobolev warned that additional hurdles have emerged, particularly concerning the Netherlands' proposal for a specially designed facility for the tribunal, reflecting their concerns over security issues.

The plan involves creating a complex equipped to deter possible threats to high-profile defendants, which could lead to considerable additional costs.

Why It Matters

The establishment of a Special Tribunal is considered crucial for accountability regarding the actions taken by Russia during its aggression against Ukraine. Securing adequate funding is essential to ensure that the tribunal can operate effectively and pursue justice. Without a clear funding path, the tribunal's future remains uncertain.

Background

The call for a Special Tribunal has gained support from Ukraine and 19 member states of the Council of Europe, along with Costa Rica. Efforts to advance the tribunal have been made, including requests from the Council of Europe to member parliaments to expedite the ratification of necessary agreements.

Sobolev stated that all preparatory work has been completed and formal decisions have been made, yet financial constraints continue to pose a serious challenge.