ICC Stands Firm on Arrest Warrants Amid Potential Peace Talks

The International Criminal Court's arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and five other Russians, accused of war crimes in Ukraine, remain valid despite potential peace talks. ICC officials emphasize that only a UN Security Council resolution can suspend these court-issued warrants.

The International Criminal Court has confirmed that arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and five others accused of war crimes in Ukraine remain in effect, despite potential amnesty deals during U.S.-led peace discussions. ICC prosecutors insisted a United Nations Security Council resolution is necessary to suspend these legal proceedings.

The arrest warrants stem from allegations of atrocities during Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with Putin and Russian Child Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova accused of illegally deporting children. Russia, however, denies these charges and rejects the ICC's jurisdiction.

High-profile figures, including former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Valery Gerasimov, are also sought by the ICC. While the U.S. draft peace proposal suggests full amnesty for conflict participants, Ukraine rejects such broad leniency, maintaining that those responsible for war crimes must be held accountable.

(With inputs from agencies.)