The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Sergey Shoigu, former Russian Defense Minister, and Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian General Staff.
According to Lenta the warrants accuse them of orchestrating attacks on civilian infrastructure during Russia's military operations in Ukraine from October 2022 to at least March 2023. These actions have been deemed as crimes against humanity.
Legal and Political Reactions
The warrants were issued following requests from human rights organizations, including the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), which accused Russian military leaders of targeting multiple power stations and substations in Ukrainian cities.
This move by the ICC marks a significant escalation in legal efforts to hold individuals accountable for war crimes committed during the conflict in Ukraine.
Russia's Response and International Implications
In response to the warrants, Russian officials have criticized the ICC's decisions, dismissing them as politically motivated and biased.
The warrants underscore ongoing tensions between Russia and international bodies over Ukraine, with broader implications for international law and diplomatic relations.
