The diplomat urged the arrest of six high-ranking Russian officials
Ukraine called on all states parties to the Rome Statute to execute International Criminal Court arrest warrants for six high-ranking Russian officials, including russa's leader Vladimir Putin. Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Andriy Melnyk stated this at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. This was reported by Ukrinform, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
All documents issued by the International Criminal Court must be implemented in practice. The Permanent Representative stressed the need to comply with obligations under the Rome Statute regarding the detention of suspected persons.
Arrest warrants for Russian leadership
The court issued six arrest warrants for Russian figures. In March 2023, such decisions concerned leader Vladimir Putin and children’s ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova in the case of illegal deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. Subsequently, documents were issued for military personnel Sergei Kobylash, Viktor Sokolov, former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov over attacks on energy infrastructure.
The Russian side deported or forcibly removed more than 20,000 minor Ukrainians. The diplomat emphasized that every child has a name and their own home, where they must immediately return.
Continued attacks on the energy system
Moscow does not stop launching missile and drone strikes on critical infrastructure, striving to leave civilians without heat, water, and electricity on the eve of winter. Impunity for targeted attacks against the civilian population, women, and children must not be allowed.
«There is no need to give in to claims that justice hinders peace, – Melnyk said. – Nothing could be further from the truth. There can be no lasting peace and genuine reconciliation without holding accountable those responsible for these horrific war crimes».
Creation of a special tribunal
Due to jurisdictional limitations, the ICC cannot prosecute the aggressor state for the crime of aggression, which is why the formation of a Special Tribunal is necessary. Ukraine and the Council of Europe have already concluded an agreement on establishing such a body, and all states are invited to join its work.
«The Special Tribunal complements the International Criminal Court rather than replaces it, – the diplomat added. – Working side by side, they will help bridge the gap in the accountability system so that no crime and no perpetrator escapes justice».
Photo: Ukrinform
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