Ukraine’s parliament has voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) in an effort to hold suspected Russian war criminals accountable. With 281 votes in favor, the country ratified the Rome Statute, paving the way for full membership in the ICC, which prosecutes crimes against humanity and genocide. The move is seen as a step towards Ukraine’s EU aspirations, as all EU member states are signatories to the court.
Last year, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba highlighted the country’s cooperation with the ICC to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
Despite fears that Ukrainian soldiers could face prosecution, efforts to join the ICC have been supported by key officials, with General Staff and military intelligence leaders endorsing the move. The ratification also included a provision exempting Ukrainian citizens from prosecution for war crimes for seven years, aiming to address concerns about potential liabilities.
In joining the ICC, Ukraine aims to enhance its ability to seek justice for crimes committed during the conflict with Russia and increase pressure on Moscow. The move is seen as a significant step towards upholding human rights and ensuring accountability for grave offenses.
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