Hosting Tribunal on Russia: Dutch Weigh Security Costs

The Netherlands, set to host the future Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine, is assessing potential risks that may follow the tribunal’s establishment — particularly security threats from Russia, The Gaze reports, citing European Pravda.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp warned that hosting the tribunal could bring security challenges comparable to those faced during major international summits. 

These include the threat of Russian cyberattacks and increased pressure on the country’s already-overloaded prison system.

To address these concerns, the Dutch government is considering consolidating all aspects of the tribunal — including legal proceedings, detention, and administration — in a single, specially secured location.

Veldkamp also stated that in the coming months, the Netherlands would evaluate financial and logistical implications. He confirmed that the burden will be shared with other countries supporting the tribunal, with a final decision expected from the Council of Ministers after the summer.

The agreement to establish the tribunal was signed on June 25 at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s first visit to the institution. 

The tribunal will target high-ranking Russian officials for the crime of aggression — though verdicts would only be enforceable once those officials are no longer in power, due to immunity protections under international law.

As The Gaze previously reported, the Ukrainian parliament ratified, and then the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved the ratification of an Agreement with the Council of Europe on the establishment of a special tribunal on the crime of aggression by Russia against Ukraine.