Ukraine Ratifies Rome Statute, Opening Door for War Crimes Prosecutions

Ukraine's parliament ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, moving closer to EU membership and enabling potential prosecutions of Russian officials for war crimes. The statute was originally signed in 2000 but blocked in 2001. Recent events and escalations with Russia have revived calls for its ratification.

In a significant political move, Ukraine has ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, enabling potential prosecutions of Russian officials for war crimes.

Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada confirmed the ratification in a vote on Wednesday, a crucial step toward the nation's ambition of joining the European Union. Ukraine was accepted as a candidate for EU membership in June 2022, shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion commenced.

The ratification comes after years of political and legal hurdles. Initially signed in 2000, the statute was blocked by Ukraine's Constitutional Court in 2001 on grounds of unconstitutionality. However, the question resurfaced in 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea and occupation of parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, and more recently, in light of ongoing conflict. The legislation includes a clause exempting Ukrainian nationals from ICC jurisdiction, addressing domestic fears of prosecution. In 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials for alleged war crimes related to the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. More warrants followed in subsequent years.

(With inputs from agencies.)