Ukraine's parliament votes to join international criminal court

Ukraine’s parliament voted on Wednesday to join the International Criminal Court (ICC), as the nation seeks to hold Russia accountable for alleged war crimes amid the ongoing invasion.

The ICC, established to prosecute severe offences such as genocide and crimes against humanity, offers Ukraine a platform to pursue legal action against those responsible for atrocities within its borders.

By joining the ICC, Ukraine gains the ability to request arrest warrants, which member countries are obliged to execute, extending the reach of international law to those accused of grave crimes.

Ukraine had previously signed the Rome Statute in 2000, which established the ICC, but did not ratify it due to concerns among political and military figures about the potential prosecution of Ukrainian soldiers. However, the current conflict and the urgent need for justice appear to have outweighed these earlier reservations.

This decision marks a pivotal step for Ukraine in its quest for accountability and justice on the international stage, as it continues to navigate the challenges posed by the Russian invasion.

Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba called Wednesday’s move “historic” after Parliament adopted the ratification of the statute.

“Today, the Ukrainian Parliament ratified the Rome Statute. Ukraine has become the 125th member of the International Criminal Court @IntlCrimCourt.”

“This has been a long journey full of challenges, myths, and fears. None of them have been true. And today, we are finally there, thanks to President @ZelenskyyUA’s leadership, years of systemic work by the Foreign Ministry and other institutions, and the will of Ukrainian parliamentarians.”

“By taking this step, Ukraine demonstrates its unwavering commitment to strengthening international justice. Ukraine has already worked effectively with the ICC to ensure comprehensive accountability for all Russian atrocities committed in the course of Russian aggression. This work will now be even more effective.”

He noted that with the ratification of the Rome Statute, Ukraine also took another significant step toward joining the EU.

“ I am grateful to all of my colleagues in the Ukrainian government, Prosecutor General @AndriyKostinUa, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office @IrynaRMudra, Verkhovna Rada Chairperson @R_Stefanchuk, and all MPs who helped make this historic decision.” he posted on X (formerly twitter).

The ratification controversially included a reference to Article 124 of the Rome Statute, which would exempt Ukrainian citizens from being prosecuted for war crimes for seven years, ruling party lawmaker Yevgeniya Kravchuk said on Facebook.

“The ratification of the Rome Statute will simultaneously facilitate greater opportunities for punishing Russians and increase the isolation of Russia,” she said.