ICC prosecutor says Putin warrant won’t disappear even if Ukraine peace talks are successful

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The deputy prosecutor of the International Criminal Court stated on Friday that ongoing peace talks will not halt the court’s investigation into the invasion of Ukraine. However, the investigation could potentially be deferred by the U.N. Security Council.

Deputy prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan told The Associated Press, “If we have an ongoing investigation, then we will follow our own regulatory framework.”

Recent meetings involving negotiators and officials from the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia have taken place in an effort to discuss a potential peace deal.

Khan emphasized the importance of accountability alongside peace efforts, stating, “There must be the possibility of accountability in order for peace to be enduring, to be sustainable.”

The Security Council has the authority to request the court to defer a case if it believes there is room for a peace agreement, although this would only be a temporary measure.

Arrest warrants have been issued by the court for Russian President Vladimir Putin and five others for their alleged involvement in war crimes in Ukraine.

Despite the Kremlin’s refusal to recognize the court’s jurisdiction, Khan remains optimistic about the court’s future amidst various challenges discussed at the court’s annual meeting in The Hague.

The Fijian jurist, along with other court staff members, has faced sanctions for pursuing investigations into U.S. and Israeli officials.

Despite facing challenges due to sanctions, Khan remains hopeful, citing the overwhelming support received from member states during the meeting as a sign of a decisive time for international criminal justice.