On 10 July, Norway formally became a party to the agreement by notification to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Norway thus becomes one of the founding members of the Special Tribunal. 

‘This is a milestone in Norway’s efforts to hold Russia accountable for its aggression against Ukraine. Serious violations of international law must be met with clear consequences, and the establishment of the Special Tribunal is an important part of this effort,‘ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. 

Norway has been a strong supporter of the establishment of the Special Tribunal. On 15 May 2026, at the Council of Europe Ministerial Session in Moldova, the Council of Europe formally decided to establish the Tribunal. Norway, 35 other countries, and the European Union supported the decision. 

The tribunal will focus on senior political and military leaders who are responsible for planning, preparing, initiating, or executing the crime of aggression against Ukraine. 

‘Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a clear violation of international law and has caused immense suffering for millions of people. It is therefore important that the Russian leaders responsible for the decision to launch this unlawful war of aggression are held accountable. Norway has been a strong advocate for the establishment of the Special Tribunal, which will help ensure accountability for those responsible for the aggression against Ukraine,‘ said Eide. 

The Tribunal will be financed and overseen by a Management Committee established through an enlarged partial agreement. Norway has participated in a group of countries that has explored avenues for prosecuting those responsible for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. For Norway, it has been important that the tribunal is firmly grounded in international law, enjoys broad legitimacy, and complements the work of other judicial bodies, including the International Criminal Court and the national investigations already under way in Ukraine and other countries. 

‘Efforts to hold Russia legally and financially accountable for the war will go hand in hand with Norway’s continued strong military and civilian support for Ukraine,‘ said Eide. 

Norway’s accession to the Special Tribunal forms part of its broader efforts to support Ukraine and ensure accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The mechanism is being established within the institutional framework of the Council of Europe. 

The Storting has given its consent to Norway’s participation in the Management Committee of the Special Tribunal for Ukraine. Norway’s intention to join the Special Tribunal was also outlined in the white paper on the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine (Report to the Storting No. 8 (2023–2024).