Zelensky welcomes ICC arrest warrants for Russia’s Shoigu, Gerasimov

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine welcomed the move by the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for two key figures in the Russian military machine.

The head of the Ukrainian State announced this on X, reports Ukrinform.

"I welcome today’s arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for two key figures in Russian military leadership. Both are accused of committing heinous crimes against civilians in Ukraine during Russia's reckless bombing of Ukrainian critical civilian infrastructure. These barbaric missile and drone strikes continue to kill people and inflict damage across Ukraine," Zelensky wrote.

According to the president, every criminal involved in plotting and executing these attacks must be aware that justice will be served. "And we do hope to see them behind bars," added the president.

He noted that today's decision is a clear indication that justice for Russian crimes against Ukrainians is inevitable as it clearly demonstrates that no military rank or office door can protect Russian criminals from accountability.

“We look forward to more arrest warrants in order to deprive Russia of its sense of impunity. The feeling that has fueled Russian crimes for decades. Accountability is the only way to put a stop to them," concluded Zelensky.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on June 25 the judges of the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov.