Arrest Warrant Placed on Vladimir Putin by International Criminal Court

On March 17, Vladimir Putin had an arrest warrant put on him by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This comes during the midst of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which rages on and is a fierce struggle between two neighbouring countries. Putin is no stranger to questionable decisions and aggressive moves in his place of power. The ICC has issued his arrest warrant on the charges of various war crimes during the ongoing conflict.

tation of population and that of unlawful transfer of population from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation, in prejudice of Ukrainian children.”

Russian government in the invasion of Ukraine. The ICC, in their statement, explained that it is illegal to transport a civilian population from one territory to another, especially children. The ICC emphasizes that children “have special protection under the Geneva Convention.” The President of the ICC, Piotr Hofmanski, goes on to say, “This is an important moment in the process of justice for the ICC. . . . There are credible allegations against these persons for the alleged crimes.”

The statement from the ICC is as follows: “Pre-Trial Chamber II considered, based on the Prosecution’s applications of 22 February 2023, that there are reasonable grounds to believe that each suspect bears responsibility for the war crime of unlawful depor-

Putin, in the Court’s eyes, is guilty of these crimes, along with Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation, who is accused of the same war crimes.

These warrants come after actions taken by the

Russia, in lieu of not being a member of the ICC, seems to be unmoved by these arrest warrants. Putin has seemed to be unbothered by scrutiny from seemingly the rest of the world. So it makes sense that these arrest warrants would not lead him to worry. It seems that we draw closer to larger conflict, as oftentimes those who abuse power must be answered by those believing in justice. If Russia continues to move this boldly, some force will rise before it, and there will be conflict. However, it seems that the ICC is moving in the right direction and taking a stand against injustice.