Armenia Aligns with ICC, Intensifying Pressure on Putin Amidst War Crime Accusations.
Armenia has boldly stepped into the international limelight by ratifying its accession to the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move that could wield notable political and legal ramifications, particularly regarding embattled Russian leader, Vladimir Putin. This insight comes via The New Voice of Ukraine. President Vahagn Khachaturyan, in affirming the parliamentary decision, embarks on a diplomatic path that subtly pivots towards holding Putin, who is internationally sought for war crimes, accountable.
Armenia’s ICC Affiliation Poses Legal Quandary for Putin
The New Voice of Ukraine underscores that Armenia, through its ratification of the Rome Statute, is now beholden to treaty obligations that require the apprehension of Vladimir Putin should he traverse their jurisdiction. Putin faces ICC charges tethered to the illicit deportation of Ukrainian children.
In a precedent-setting move, the ICC, propelled by a memo dated March 17, has issued an arrest warrant for a sitting leader of a permanent U.N. Security Council member, substantiated by ample evidence pointing to Putin’s direct involvement in the cited war crime, as reported by The New Voice of Ukraine.
Putin Formally Accused of International Crimes
Simultaneously, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin elucidates that Putin is officially accused of orchestrating an international crime, particularly involving the unlawful abduction of Ukrainian children. This unfolding scenario implies a stringent stance against any dialogues with the current Russian administration and moots potential sanctions relief, per insights from the Ukrainian president’s office.
Russia Retaliates against ICC
Russia has predictably responded to the ICC’s indictments and requisitions: instigating legal proceedings against ICC prosecutors and adjudicators. This act escalates an already straitened situation, highlighting the intricate and formidable dynamics at play in international politics, positioning Armenia as a pivotal player amidst tumultuous geopolitical currents.
Image: kremlin.ru, Vladimir Putin September 5, 2022, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (image size modified)