ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Vladimir Putin

Pre-Trial Chamber Approves Warrants for Atrocity Crimes

Breaking News - March 17, 2023

The Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a significant milestone in the investigation of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine.

ICC Prosecutor Karim A. Khan QC stated that the evidence collected "provides reasonable grounds to believe that Mr. Putin, as the President of the Russian Federation, is criminally responsible as an indirect perpetrator of the crimes of war and crimes against humanity within the jurisdiction of the Court."

The Pre-Trial Chamber has authorized the issuance of warrants for Putin's arrest for the following crimes:

• Willful killing
• Torture
• Rape
• Persecution
• Enforced disappearances

The ICC's arrest warrants are enforceable in all states that have ratified the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court. However, Russia is not a party to the treaty and is not legally bound to cooperate with the ICC.