Austria to Join May 9 Meeting in Lviv on Special Tribunal for Russia

Austria will take part in the ministerial meeting in Lviv on May 9, 2025, focused on the creation of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression committed by Russia against Ukraine,     The Gaze reports, citing Ukrinform.

“Foreign Minister will participate in the ministerial meeting in Lviv on May 9, 2025, which will address the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The meeting aims to politically endorse the agreement reached by 40 like-minded states, including Austria,” the ministry stated.

Austria emphasized that the creation of such a tribunal is essential because Russia is not a party to the Rome Statute, which means the International Criminal Court (ICC) lacks jurisdiction to prosecute crimes of aggression committed by the Russian Federation.

According to the ministry, Austria has been involved in the effort since the early stages:

“Austria has actively participated in the negotiations for establishing the special tribunal and has hosted two rounds of consultations in Vienna.”

The ministry underlined that Austria’s support for the initiative reflects its broader diplomatic commitment to ensuring a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in Ukraine.

“Austria firmly supports the protection of a rules-based international order. The new special tribunal will ensure that those responsible for Russia’s brutal and unlawful war of aggression against Ukraine are held accountable,” stated Foreign Minister Mainl-Reisinger.

The ministerial meeting in Lviv will take place on May 9 — Europe Day, and is expected to send a strong political signal supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, justice, and the rule of international law.

As The Gaze previously reported, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has confirmed that he and other European counterparts will visit Kyiv on May 9.