24 February 2026 marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Over the past four years the International Bar Association has provided significant assistance to Ukraine.
From the first days of the invasion, the IBA spoke out clearly and unequivocally, condemning Russia's violations of international law and affirming the central importance of accountability and justice. Since this time, the Association has remained steadfast in its support − advocating at the international level, mobilising legal expertise and standing in solidarity with Ukrainian lawyers, judges and legal institutions operating under extraordinary pressure.
In doing so, the IBA has positioned itself at the forefront of shaping the international legal response to one of the gravest breaches of international law in Europe since the Second World War.
One of the most significant demonstrations of support for Ukraine was the IBA Council's unanimous adoption of a resolution calling for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (STCA). That decision, taken three years ago with clarity, courage and foresight, recognised the distinct legal gap in accountability for the crime of aggression and the necessity of an equally distinct response. It also reaffirmed the centrality of the prohibition on the use of force under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and underscored the imperative of preserving the integrity of the international legal order.
A new op-ed published in Just Security - titled From Commitment to Action: The Next Steps in Holding Russia's Leaders Accountable for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine - addresses the establishment of the STCA and references the IBA's role in this effort.
This contribution to the global discourse on accountability and the rule of law was undertaken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's officials - Dr Iryna Mudra, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and former Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine, and Dr Anton Korynevych, Ambassador-at-Large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine - together with Dr Mark Ellis, IBA Executive Director.
The opinion piece underscores the enduring value of the IBA Council's leadership and the pivotal role of the IBA alongside the Council of Europe and the European Union in pushing forward the Special Tribunal. What was once a principled resolution championed by the IBA has now become part of a concrete and increasingly mainstream international effort.
IBA President Claudio Visco said, 'The IBA's principled leadership on one of the defining legal challenges of our time - ensuring accountability for the crime of aggression - is something of which we can all be proud. Our early and unanimous call for a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine was not merely a reaction to conflict, but a proactive defence of international law. The Council's decision three years ago to lead on the crime of aggression marked a defining moment for our Association. Today, as the Special Tribunal moves from resolution to reality, we have demonstrated that the global legal profession does not look away - and does not step back.'
IBA Executive Director Dr Mark Ellis commented, 'When the history of this conflict is written, the IBA's role in supporting Ukraine will be undeniable. From the first day of the full-scale invasion, our commitment has been steadfast and unwavering. Over the past four years, the Association's actions have demonstrated what it truly means for the global legal profession to stand firm in defence of justice, accountability and the rule of law. The IBA's voice - grounded in legal expertise, institutional independence and a truly global membership - has helped shape the course of this moment in history.'
Find the op-ed on social media here for amplifying:
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