ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Former Russian Defense Minister and Chief of Staff for War Crimes in Ukraine

Jun 25, 2024, 10:57 AM

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. The warrants, issued by the Second Pre-Trial Chamber, are based on charges of directing attacks against civilian objects and civilians in Ukraine. These charges relate specifically to Russia's missile strikes against Ukrainian power infrastructure from October 10, 2022, to March 9, 2023, when Shoigu was defense minister. The ICC's decision marks a significant step in holding Russian military officials accountable for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.