Ukraine's Exemption From ICC Jurisdiction is 'Deliberate Attempt' to Cover up War Crimes: Analyst
16:24 13.03.2025 (Updated: 12:14 14.03.2025)
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Last year, Ukraine ratified the ICC's Rome Statute with the condition of a seven-year delay in the entry into force of the court's jurisdiction over the country's citizens for war crimes, according to the country's authorities.
Ukraine's long-standing resistance to full International Criminal Court (ICC) membership shows an avoidance of independent investigation, Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Head of Department, Political Science and International Relations at the University of Abuja, told Sputnik Africa.
Ukraine's attempt to ratify the Rome Statute now, after decades of resistance, is a cynical ploy to use the ICC to punish Russia, Ibrahim stated. However, he believes this will fail because of the ICC's damaged credibility. The analyst characterized Ukraine's selective recognition of ICC jurisdiction as hypocritical, given their past attempts to block ICC involvement in Ukraine.
"This particular hiding as well as avoidance of the recognition of the ICC membership or Ukraine joining the ICC showcases a sheer and utter attempt by Ukraine to actually do away with the investigation, which could expose crimes committed against the Russian-speaking population in the Donbass by the Ukrainian forces," the researcher said.
Ibrahim argued that the ICC's resolutions lack respect, citing Israel's defiance and the US's support for Israel, including attempts to sanction ICC officials. He concluded that, despite US ceasefire efforts, Ukraine won't be shielded from war crime accusations.
