Ukraine to Ratify Rome Statute

On August 15, President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted a bill to the Verkhovna Rada aimed at ratifying the Rome Statute, the foundational treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This treaty, established in 1998, allows for the prosecution of individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Historically, the Ukrainian military had resisted joining the ICC due to concerns that its members could face prosecution related to the ongoing conflict with Russia, which began in 2014. However, the European Union has been pressing Ukraine to ratify the treaty, emphasizing its potential benefits. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has publicly dismissed fears that joining the ICC would harm Ukraine, asserting that it would enhance the country's ability to hold Russian aggressors accountable and bolster its diplomatic standing. Kuleba's comments reflect a shift in Ukraine's stance, as the government seeks to leverage international legal frameworks to address war crimes committed during the conflict. A significant aspect of the proposed ratification is a clause that grants immunity to Ukrainian citizens, both military and civilian, from ICC prosecution for seven years. This provision, initially introduced by France during the Rome Statute negotiations, aims to protect nations involved in peacekeeping operations. While Ukraine plans to utilize this immunity, its practical impact may be limited, as the country retains the authority to prosecute war crimes domestically. The ratification process will take effect three months after parliamentary approval and submission to the United Nations, but it will not affect existing ICC arrest warrants against Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin and former defense minister Sergei Shoigu.