A International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor announced Monday that he will open an investigation into possible war crimes perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine.
“I have reviewed the Office's conclusions arising from the preliminary examination of the Situation in Ukraine, and have confirmed that there is a reasonable basis to proceed with opening an investigation,” said Karim A. A. Khan, the prosecutor.
“In particular, I am satisfied that there is a reasonable basis to believe that both alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in Ukraine in relation to the events already assessed during the preliminary examination by the Office,” he added.
Khan said that his investigation would expand as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to include any potential future crimes falling within the ICC's jurisdiction.
Ukraine is not among the 123 parties to the ICC’s Rome Statute, which outlaws genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
However, the country has accepted the ICC’s jurisdiction over its territory during periods of previous Russian aggression.
Khan asked in his statement for “the support of all States Parties and the international community as a whole as my Office sets about its investigations.”
He said that his office will need budgetary support, voluntary contributions and personnel.
“The importance and urgency of our mission is too serious to be held hostage to lack of means,” Khan said.
