International Criminal Court (ICC) Issues Arrest Warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin

War Crimes, Crimes Against Humanity, and Genocide Allegations

A Landmark Decision in International Law

The Hague, March 17, 2023 – Today, the Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a landmark arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The warrant alleges that Putin is responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

This marks the first time the ICC has issued an arrest warrant for a sitting head of state. The decision follows an extensive investigation by the ICC prosecutor, who found credible evidence of Putin's involvement in these heinous crimes.

The arrest warrant sends a clear message that no one, no matter how powerful, is above the law. The ICC's decision underscores the importance of accountability for the most serious crimes that affect the international community.

The ICC's jurisdiction is limited to crimes committed by nationals of or on the territory of states that are party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court. However, the ICC can investigate and prosecute crimes committed by non-state parties if the United Nations Security Council refers the situation to the ICC, which it did in the case of Ukraine.

The ICC's arrest warrant is now in effect, and law enforcement authorities around the world are obligated to apprehend Putin if he travels outside of Russia.