Ukraine’s Zelensky, ICC’s Khan discuss how to implement arrest warrants for Russian officials

KYIV – President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept 12 that he and International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan had discussed how to ensure that arrest warrants for Russian officials wanted for war crimes in Ukraine are implemented.

“It is crucial to comply with the Rome Statute and ensure that court decisions on arrest warrants for Russian war criminals are not ignored,” Mr Zelensky said in a post on social media platform X after the two men had met.

The ICC has issued arrest warrants for several Russian officials, including

President Vladimir Putin, for the unlawful deportation of children during the war.

A warrant on the same grounds was issued for Ms Maria Lvova-Belova, Russian commissioner for children’s rights.

Also subject to warrants are Mr Sergei Shoigu, head of Russia’s Security Council, and Mr Viktor Sokolov and Mr Sergey Kobylash, who are accused of directing attacks against civilian sites.

Russia has dismissed the warrants as meaningless and “null and void”.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, said it had undertaken a diplomatic protest against Mongolia for

not implementing the ICC’s arrest warrant

for Mr Putin during his visit to the country last week.

The ministry said in a statement that a Mongolian diplomat had been informed about Ukraine’s “deep disappointment” and added that the decision would have an effect on relations. REUTERS