Ukraine is now a full member of the Rome Statute of the ICC, which means Kyiv is obligated to arrest Putin and Netanyahu.

As of January 1, 2025, Ukraine has officially acquired the status of a full participant in the Rome Statute. This means that Ukraine can now actively engage in the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This court, among other things, previously issued an arrest warrant for the leader of Russia, Vladimir Putin.

This was officially announced by ICC spokesperson Fadi al-Abdallah. According to him, Ukraine has now received a range of rights in its dealings with the ICC – including budgetary rights, staffing appointments, amendments to the Rome Statute, and more.

"This means that the country is now a full-fledged state party to this international treaty and has all the rights and obligations assigned to state parties. The most important of these is the right to vote on the budget approval, amendments to the Rome Statute, the election of judges, the future prosecutor, and their deputies," he noted.

For instance, in December 2026, when judges of the ICC will be re-elected, Ukraine can nominate its candidates. Additionally, Ukrainians who have suffered from crimes committed by the Russian regime will have simplified access to the ICC Trust Fund for victims.

What is the Rome Statute and the ICC?

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court is an international treaty that was adopted on July 17, 1998 at a diplomatic conference in Rome. It officially came into force on July 1, 2002.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent international court that deals with individuals accused of committing widely recognized international crimes, such as war crimes. It has the authority to investigate these crimes and prosecute those responsible.

Ukraine signed the Rome Statute on January 20, 2000, following a directive from the President of Ukraine dated December 11, 1999, but did not ratify it. On July 13, 2024, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Iryna Mudra announced that the state resumed the process of ratifying the Rome Statute of the ICC. On August 21, 2024, the Parliament ratified the Rome Statute with 281 votes in favor.

Which notable individuals are being pursued by the ICC?

On March 7, 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and the Russian Commissioner for Children's Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, on charges of complicity in the abduction of children from Ukraine.

On June 24, 2024, the Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia Valery Gerasimov. This means that in 122 countries that have ratified the Rome Statute and recognize the jurisdiction of the International Court, they must arrest individuals for whom warrants have been issued. This applies not only to countries in Europe and South America but also to Mongolia, Georgia, and many African nations.

Another leader for whom the ICC has issued an arrest warrant is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. An arrest warrant has also been issued for the former Defense Minister of the country, Yoav Gallant. The ICC claims that Netanyahu and Gallant knowingly deprived civilians in Gaza of water, medicine, medical equipment, fuel, and electricity. They also obstructed the provision of humanitarian aid, which constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.

However, several leaders of countries that support the ICC's decision regarding Putin have refused to arrest Netanyahu should he choose to visit their territories. This sharply contrasts with the fact that only Mongolia dared to ignore the ICC's warrant for Putin. The demonstrative refusal to execute the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant could create a precedent of "double standards" and hinder accountability for Russian war crimes.