ICC issues arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes against Ukrainian children

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights, for war crimes related to the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children. The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, stated that Putin could be arrested if he enters any of the court's more than 120 member states. The warrants were based on forensic evidence and scrutiny of the individuals involved. The ICC is a court of last resort for the world's worst crimes, set up in 2002. The ICC's decision was hailed by Ukraine's president and Western allies, but Russia dismissed the warrants as "void."

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The arrest warrants for Putin and Lvova-Belova have sparked a heated reaction from Russia, with Moscow dismissing the orders as "void." As Russia is not a party to the ICC, it remains unclear whether Putin will ever face trial or if the warrants will have any practical effect.

More than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the 2022 invasion, with many reportedly placed in institutions and foster homes. The ICC prosecutor Karim Khan stated that Putin is now liable for arrest if he enters any of the court's member-states.

The ICC, set up in 2002, is a court of last resort for the world's worst crimes, when countries cannot or will not prosecute suspects. Prosecutor Khan launched an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine just days after Russia's invasion.

The warrants for Putin and Lvova-Belova represent an unprecedented step for the ICC. However, the Kremlin has dismissed the warrants, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Russia, like many other countries, does not recognize the jurisdiction of the court.

Despite the Kremlin's reaction, the arrest warrants have been welcomed by Ukraine's Western allies. US President Joe Biden said the warrant was "justified" and "makes a very strong point," while noting that the United States is not a member of the ICC. Britain called the decision "welcome," and the European Union said it was "just the start."