ICC issues Arrest Warrant for Putin over War Crimes Involving Minors in Ukraine.

By Jovia Naddamba.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to the court's allegations, the accused is held responsible for committing war crimes that involve the illegal transportation of minors from Ukraine to Russia. These crimes are said to have taken place in Ukraine starting from the date of Russia's all-out invasion, which was on 24th February 2022.

Moscow has denied allegations of war crimes during the invasion.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has brought charges against Mr Putin, accusing him of participating in the unlawful transportation of children and has sufficient evidence to believe that he committed these actions either individually or in collaboration with others.

Furthermore, the court has claimed that the Russian leader, Mr Putin, neglected to exercise his authority and take measures to prevent others from unlawfully deporting children.

Although the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Mr Putin and Ms Lvova-Belova, the court itself does not have the power to make arrests.

Its jurisdiction is limited to the countries that have ratified the Rome Statute, which is the treaty that established the ICC. It is up to the member countries to enforce the ICC's arrest warrants and surrender the suspects to the court. However, if a country does not cooperate, the ICC can report the matter to the United Nations Security Council, which may take further action.

Since Russia has not ratified the Rome Statute, it is highly unlikely that either Mr. Putin or Ms. Lvova-Belova will be extradited to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face the charges against them.

However, if they travel to a country that is a signatory to the Rome Statute, they could potentially be arrested and extradited to the ICC to face trial.