ICC in The Hague may launch investigation into Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has said it is closely following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and may start to investigate the crimes committed.

"I have been closely following recent developments in and around Ukraine with increasing concern … the Office remain fully committed to the prevention of atrocity crimes and ensuring that anyone responsible for such crimes is held accountable," reads the statement by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan.

It is underscored that the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC may exercise its jurisdiction over and investigate any act of genocide, crime against humanity and war crime committed within the territory of Ukraine since February 20, 2014 onwards.

In December 2020, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced completion of a preliminary study of the events in Ukraine related to the international armed conflict in Donbas and Crimea.

ol