European officials renew call for tribunal as Russia pounds Ukrainian cities

The Council of Europe has reiterated that it remains engaged in efforts to ensure Russia is held responsible for “the crimes committed” following the overnight attacks on Ukraine on January 9.

According to Caliber.Az, which cited official statements from senior European officials, the organisation emphasised that accountability mechanisms continue to move forward.

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset condemned the Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure, calling them “a barbaric act that demonstrates contempt for international law.” He stressed that providing compensation to victims and securing Russia’s accountability remain central priorities for the institution.

Russia’s attacks on Kyiv and the Lviv region on 9 January, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries, are yet another barbaric act demonstrating contempt for international law. Accountability for Russia’s crimes and compensation for victims are our priority.… https://t.co/pCNKaLP2wN

— Alain Berset (@alain_berset) January 9, 2026

Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi, who currently serves as Chair of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, also denounced Russia’s use of the “Oreshnik” ballistic missile. In a written statement, he said:

“We strongly condemn Russia’s use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile in its brutal overnight attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving the people of Kyiv, Lviv and Kryvyi Rih without electricity or running water.

Human life is one of the supreme values defended by the Council of Europe and there shall be no impunity for these brutal attacks.

Actions taken by the Council of Europe in ensuring accountability for Ukraine, starting with the functioning of the Register of Damage, continuing with the recent launching in the Hague of the process to establish the Claims Commission, as well as the progress made in the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, are key steps in this direction.

Support for Ukraine and accountability for the crime of aggression committed by the Russian Federation is an overarching priority of the Republic of Moldova’s Presidency to the Committee of Ministers. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and support a just peace for Ukraine.”

His comments highlighted the ongoing work surrounding the Register of Damage, the newly initiated process to form a Claims Commission in The Hague, and the advancement toward establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

By Tamilla Hasanova