On July 1, 2025, the Ukraine War saw a number of key developments as fighting continued across the front lines and international efforts to hold Russia accountable advanced. President Zelensky announced that he had signed the ratification of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, marking a major step forward in the international legal process to prosecute Russia’s leadership for its actions in the conflict. This tribunal, supported by Ukraine and the Council of Europe, aims to target Russia’s top political and military leaders for the crime of aggression, an issue that the International Criminal Court (ICC) cannot address due to jurisdictional restrictions. The agreement was signed on June 25 during a ceremony in Strasbourg, with Zelensky and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset participating in a significant diplomatic effort spanning over three years. Zelensky urged lawmakers to expedite the legislative process to implement the tribunal, emphasizing that accountability is inevitable and in the global interest of peace. In addition to the legal developments, the war saw ongoing military action. Ukrainian forces conducted a drone strike on a Russian military facility in Kursk, while Russia retaliated with a missile attack on Kharkiv. On the eastern front, combat remained intense near Bakhmut, where heavy fighting continues. A tragic incident occurred as a Russian Su-34 fighter jet crashed during a training flight in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, resulting in the death of one of the pilots. The pilot, after ejecting, landed on a tree, and medics could not save him. The crash highlighted the ongoing challenges facing the Russian military, which has faced increasing losses in its conflict with Ukraine. The UK intelligence reported that Russia has lost over 30 Su-34 aircraft since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. The incident also serves as a reminder of the escalating tensions and the toll the war is taking on both sides. As the conflict continues, the international community remains vigilant in its efforts to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its actions.