The Kremlin said that Russia does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in The Hague

Russia does not recognize the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague and its jurisdiction, said Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

“We do not recognize this court, we do not recognize the jurisdiction of this court. This is how we treat this,” Peskov said, commenting on information about the possible first cases of the court that relate to the actions of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine.

After the start of the military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the ICC declaredthat they intend “as soon as possible” to begin an investigation into the violations recorded on the territory of Ukraine.

March 13 The New York Times, citing sources informedthat the court in The Hague plans to open the first two cases against Russia. The ICC will seek the issuance of arrest warrants related to the “abduction of Ukrainian children” and their transportation to Russia. In particular, arrest warrants may also be issued against those associated with “deliberate attacks” on civilian infrastructure. Moscow has repeatedly denied strikes on civilian infrastructure and the deportation of children from Ukraine.

The NYT stressed that the likelihood of a lawsuit starting is small. According to experts, the court cannot consider these cases in absentia, and the Russian side “is unlikely to extradite its officials.”

The International Criminal Court is the first permanent international criminal justice body to investigate international crimes such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC is mandated to judge not states, but individuals and is an independent body in relation to the UN.