In a landmark move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for two prominent Russian military leaders, former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, for their roles in the missile attacks on Ukrainian electrical infrastructure. The warrants, announced on June 25, 2024, allege that Shoigu and Gerasimov are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between October 10, 2022, and March 9, 2023. The ICC has previously issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials, including the Children’s Rights Commissioner, for their involvement in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children and other alleged war crimes during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.The ICC’s decision, based on evidence of intentional targeting of civilian objects resulting in excessive harm to civilians, marks a significant step in international efforts to hold Russian officials accountable for their actions in Ukraine. Despite Russia’s non-recognition of the ICC and the unlikelihood of the accused being detained, the warrants have been lauded by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a sign that ‘justice for Russian crimes against Ukrainians is inevitable’. The ICC relies on its 124 member states to enforce these warrants, as the Court does not possess its own arresting authority. Russia has limited international travel for its officials to countries that are not signatories to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, in response to the arrest warrants.
Key points
- The ICC has issued arrest warrants for former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov over war crimes in Ukraine.
- The warrants are related to missile strikes on Ukrainian electrical infrastructure between October 2022 and March 2023.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the ICC’s decision, emphasizing the inevitability of justice for Russian crimes.
