Government proposes bills to strengthen efforts for accountability for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

“Russia must be held accountable for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Otherwise, we risk a world in which waging a war of aggression pays off. By joining these mechanisms, Sweden is now taking the next step to ensure that those responsible for Russia’s aggression are brought to justice, something that has not occurred since the Nuremberg trials. Through the Claims Commission, Russia can be held accountable for the damage that its actions in violation of international law have inflicted on Ukraine. The Ukrainian people must obtain redress” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard.

Criminal responsibility for Russian officials behind the aggression against Ukraine

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in early 2022, Sweden has been part of a core group working to establish a tribunal with jurisdiction over the crime of aggression – the crime against peace – against Ukraine. Last year, Ukraine and the Council of Europe signed an agreement establishing the tribunal. In March 2026, Sweden became one of the first states to sign a declaration of intent to become a member of the tribunal.

Through the Government Bill, the Government proposes that Sweden join the agreement establishing the tribunal, thereby becoming a founding member. The tribunal will be based in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Reparation for damage inflicted by Russia’s violations of international law

The Government also proposes that Sweden ratify the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. In November 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recognising the need for the establishment of an international mechanism for reparation for damage caused by Russia’s internationally wrongful acts in or against Ukraine.

The Convention was adopted at a diplomatic conference in The Hague on 16 December 2025, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Sweden signed the Convention on this occasion.