ICC issues arrest warrant for Russian president

WORLD, March 18 (YPA) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for a war crime over the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.

According to the agency “AFP”, The Hague-based ICC said it had also issued a warrant against Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s presidential commissioner for children’s rights, on similar charges.

The Kremlin dismissed the decision, calling it “void” because Russia is not a party to the ICC.

Washington welcomed the decision and US President Joe Biden said the ICC arrest warrant for Putin was “justified.”

“There is no doubt that Russia is committing war crimes and atrocities (in) Ukraine, and we have been clear that those responsible must be held accountable,” a US State Department spokesperson said

The court’s shock decision came hours after other news with the potential to significantly impact Russia’s war on Ukraine, including a Moscow visit from Chinese leader Xi Jinping and more fighter jets for Keiv’s forces.

E.M