Ukraine’s Parliament ratifies International Criminal Court statute
Source: MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak/Telegram
Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada has ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to international law.
The decision got the votes of 281 Ukrainian MPs who, prior to the vote, were sent letters from Ukraine’s General Staff and the Main Intelligence Directorate urging to green light the policy.
The ratification was initiated by president Volodymyr Zelensky on August 15. In a separate statement, Ukrainian officials said they will introduce 7-year wait time before the ICC is granted the jurisdiction over Ukrainian citizens concerning crimes outlined in Article 8 of the Rome Statute.
Kyiv also plans to ratify the Rome Statute with consideration of the 2010 Kampala Amendments, which include provisions on the crime of aggression. Given that ratification is not retroactive, Ukraine is likely to continue its efforts to establish a special tribunal to hold Russian leadership accountable for the 2022 invasion.
It’s worth noting that Ukraine initially signed the Rome Statute back in 2000, but only today, 24 years later, Ukraine has lived to its word to ratify it in full.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).
In just 1.5 months, Ukrainian specialists have created an innovative protective shell for the control modules of anti-aircraft missile systems (AMS) Patriot and Iris-T SLM. This development was another step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, aimed at protecting key elements of the air defense system from debris damage.
Military serviceman of the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine with the call sign “Paradox” is the crew commander of the American M113 armored personnel carrier. He is a master at using it and is constantly improving, because the legionnaire’s skills are tested every day in battle. You have to drive to the front lines, often under artillery fire and drone attacks.