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The International Criminal Court issues war crimes arrest warrant for Putin

Photo: EPA/BGNES

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian official for children's rights, Maria Lvova-Belova. According to the institution's statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the two are involved in war crimes related to the illegal deportation of children and their transfer from the occupied Ukrainian territories to the Russian Federation. However, enforcement of the orders remains in the hands of the international community, as the court does not have its own police force.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia found the issues raised outrageous and unacceptable, adding that his country does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the court's decision calling it "historic" and added that “the deportation of these children is a policy of state evil that begins with the top official.”

US President Joe Biden said the decision of the ICC was justified. "The International Criminal Court is not recognized internationally by us either. But I think it makes a very strong point," Biden added.

Kyiv claims that Russian authorities have abducted 16,000 children, and according to researchers at Yale University, the number is at least 6,000.

After Poland announced that it would provide MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, Slovakia made a similar decision. Prime Minister Eduard Heger announced that 13 aircraft will be donated to the country to help it fight against Russian aggression.




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