ICC Orders Arrest of 2 Russian Military Officials for Suspected War Crimes
Judges have determined that there are ‘reasonable grounds to believe that the two suspects bear responsibility for missile strikes’ against Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure.
Pre-trial Chamber II of the ICC, consisting of Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala, Judge Tomoko Akane, and Judge Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godinez, issued the warrants for Lt. Gen. Sergei Kobylash and Russian Navy Adm. Viktor Sokolov.
The judges found ‘reasonable grounds to believe that the two suspects bear responsibility for missile strikes carried out by the forces under their command against the Ukrainian electric infrastructure’ during the specified period.
Both men are charged with multiple war crimes, including directing attacks against civilian objects and causing excessive harm to civilians or damage to civilian objects.
The judges also mentioned that there are ‘reasonable grounds to believe that the alleged strikes were directed against civilian objects.’
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Moscow has denied targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the arrest warrants issued by the ICC, stating that they should serve as a warning to other Russian senior officials.
International justice requires time, but it is unavoidable. We continue to make every effort to ensure that no Russian beast responsible for the murder of Ukrainian children, women, and men goes unpunished. And no number of stars on shoulder straps or cabinet doors will keep them from being held accountable,” he added.
The contents of the arrest warrants will be kept secret to protect witnesses and safeguard the investigations, but public awareness of the warrants is beneficial and may contribute to the prevention of further crimes, noted the ICC.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
