Ukraine to complete ratification of Rome Statute by year-end - Mudra

Deputy Head of Ukraine's Presidential Office Iryna Mudra stated this in an interview with Voice of America, Ukrinform reports.

"Now we have resumed work on ratification. I personally support ratification. I know that the Prosecutor General and the concerned parliamentary committee support this. I think that we will do it together. I set myself the goal of closing the issue with ratification by the end of this year," Mudra said.

She noted that in 2014 and 2025, Ukraine adopted two statements recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court - that is, in fact, it has already recognized its jurisdiction.

"The ICC can already bring our citizens to justice. There are no new risks with the ratification of the Rome Statute. And this must be clearly understood and explained to the military, and this is what we have started to do," Mudra said.

She added that the ICC only complements the national judicial systems of states for the inevitability of punishment for core international crimes. Therefore, it will not replace Ukrainian courts and law enforcement agencies, but will exercise its powers if the national courts of the state cannot independently investigate these crimes.

"Yes, the military is afraid that the Russians are recording the commission of certain actions by our soldiers and that they will try to submit this to the International Criminal Court. But this will only be possible if our law enforcement and judicial system does not investigate and ensure accountability for these actions," Mudra said.

According to her, work is currently underway with the military to dispel their doubts and refute previously formed false impressions.

The ratification of the Rome Statute is a mandatory condition for further European integration of Ukraine. Ukraine signed this agreement on January 20, 2000, but the Verkhovna Rada has yet to ratify it.

Following the ratification of the Rome Statute, the state becomes a member of the International Criminal Court, and crimes committed by its citizens or committed on its territory are subject to the court in The Hague.

Photo from the website: holosameryky.com