Ukraine’s pursuit of accountability for Russia’s 2022 invasion could be one of the most consequential legal and diplomatic projects of the decade. This event, hosted last month by the ANU Centre for European Studies in partnership with the ANU Law School, brought together senior Ukrainian officials, leading international lawyers, and diplomatic representatives to examine how individual and financial accountability mechanisms are being built.
Speakers, including Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko and Mykola Yurlov of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, explored why these efforts matter far beyond Europe. The discussion challenged the assumption that the war’s legal consequences are regional, highlighting instead their implications for global security, international law, and future conflict deterrence. Together, the panels mapped the emerging architecture of justice that Ukraine and its partners are working to establish.
Listen to the panel discussion here: https://youtu.be/-js3ix0W6Ww
Panel 1: Individual Accountability and the Special Tribunal
A discussion of the proposed Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, examining legal design, jurisdiction, political feasibility, and pathways for prosecuting senior leadership.
● The panelists agreed that a core limitation of existing international legal institutions is the lack of jurisdiction over the aggressor state.
● The Tribunal is intended to fill this gap and make existing international laws enforceable.
● Ukraine and its partners emphasised that defendants’ rights and fair‑trial guarantees must remain central to the Tribunal’s design.
● Countries such as Australia retain domestic obligations relevant to enforcing international law and supporting accountability mechanisms.
Panel 2: Financial Accountability and the Claims Mechanism
An exploration of the emerging International Claims Commission, reparations frameworks, frozen assets, and the broader challenge of securing financial redress for Ukraine.
● Alongside criminal accountability, Ukraine is pursuing compensation from the Russian Federation through an international compensation fund.
● The mechanism now includes 44 states and the European Union, with Ukraine expressing gratitude for Australia’s membership and support.
● Participating states can meet aspects of their domestic and international obligations by determining the future of frozen Russian assets.
Speakers:
- HE Vasyl Myroshnychenko – Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand
- HE Anne Grete Riise – Ambassador of Norway to Australia
- Mykola Yurlov – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
- Dr Oliver Landwehr – Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Australia
- Dr Mark Ellis – Executive Director, International Bar Association
- Prof Chimène Keitner – UC Davis School of Law
- Justin Esiobu – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
- Prof Matthew Neuhaus – ANU Law School, formerly Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- A/Prof Anton Moiseienko – ANU Law School
- Dr Anne McNaughton – ANU Centre for European Studies