The new Labour government aims to reinvigorate global efforts to establish a special tribunal for prosecuting Russia’s leadership over the crime of aggression against Ukraine, according to Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood.

For two years, disputes have hindered progress, particularly concerns about stripping Russian leaders of immunity, which could set a precedent affecting western leaders.

The UK is leading a group of 40 countries to hold Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Mishustin, and Sergey Lavrov accountable.

Mahmood emphasized the need for urgent action in both military and legal domains concerning Ukraine.

She seeks to carefully yet swiftly determine the best mechanism for the tribunal.

This was discussed on the eve of a Council of Europe justice ministers meeting in Vilnius.

Labour’s government, addressing this issue for the first time, sees the Council of Europe playing a significant role.

Shadow Foreign Office minister Alicia Kearns stated that the international community leans toward a tribunal set up via a treaty between the Council of Europe and Ukraine, supported by the UN.

Mahmood also highlighted ongoing UK commitment to the European convention on human rights amid the Ukraine conflict.

Human rights barrister Philippe Sands KC and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown are significant advocates for the tribunal, arguing for the Council of Europe route due to a likely Russian veto at the UN Security Council.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) faces limitations as neither Russia nor Ukraine have fully ratified its founding Rome statute.

While the ICC has issued warrants for Putin and Sergei Shoigu, it can't try the key Russian leaders responsible for the invasion.

Mahmood held talks with ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, who has expressed concerns about duplicating ICC’s efforts.