Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy wants Russia’s senior leaders to face justice for launching its invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

On Tuesday, he announced the signing of a document establishing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

After years of diplomatic wrangling, Ukraine and the Council of Europe formally established the tribunal Wednesday in Strasbourg. The next step is to submit legislative amendments soon to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s Parliament.

“I ask the people’s deputies to consider this issue urgently,” Mr. Zelenskyy said in a statement. “I also expect the teams of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to quickly present a corresponding schedule of work with partners to implement the agreement on the establishment of the tribunal and the launch of the institution.”

The tribunal, which would have international legal standing, would provide a means to investigate the highest-ranking leaders of a state, who would typically be protected by government immunity.

“This is a historical achievement not only for Ukraine, but for all the architecture of international law,” said Iryna Mudra, deputy head of the office of the Ukrainian president.

Mr. Zelenskyy said Russia should feel the impact of its responsibility for its crimes of aggression against Ukraine. The tribunal means the international legal process to hold the Kremlin responsible has begun, he said.

“Aggression is a crime, and the real, inevitable punishment of Russia for this crime is a matter of global concern shared by all who want a peaceful life for their people,” Mr. Zelenskyy said Tuesday on X.

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.