The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued two arrest warrants on Tuesday, June 25, for former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and former Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov. The two men are being prosecuted for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Russia has ruled that the warrant against Sergei Shoigu ” insignificant “. “ An important decision “, according to Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian presidential office.
1 min
With our correspondent in The Hague, Stephanie Maupas
The two Russian officers are being prosecuted for attacks on civilians and civilian objects, more specifically against Ukrainian power plants.
In October 2022, as winter enters, the army Russia had launched its first campaign targeting power plants located in Ukraine. In two months, the prosecutor’s office in kyiv had recorded 92 attacks. At the time, we wondered about the strategic, military nature of these targets. But the judges ruled that the damage was clearly excessive in relation to the military advantage that the Russian army gained, which therefore constitutes a war crime.
Attacks which have “ caused great suffering » to civilians
The arrest warrants also relate to the consequences of these attacks. The civilian population suffered in particular from the lack of electricity, water and heating. According to the court, these attacks “ caused great suffering » to civilians.
Situation in #Ukraine : the judges of the #CPI issue arrest warrants for Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu and Valery Vasilyevich Gerasimov. Learn more ⤵️ https://t.co/84Nyavsswg
— ICC-Intern Criminal Court. (@CourPenaleInt) June 25, 2024
Attacks which are crimes against humanity, because the acts were “ carried out in accordance with state policy », According to the Court press release.
Suspects Sergei Shoigu and Valery Guerassimov are added to the public list of fugitives from the ICC.