Arrest Warrants Issued for Russia’s Former Defense Minister and General Over War Crimes in Ukraine

The Hague, June 24, 2024 — Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s former defense minister, and General Valery Gerasimov, a leading military figure, have been issued arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

The ICC, based in The Hague, announced that Shoigu and Gerasimov are suspected of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity by directing attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. The court stated that there are "reasonable grounds to believe that the two suspects bear responsibility for missile strikes carried out by the Russian armed forces against the Ukrainian electric infrastructure from at least 10 October 2022 until at least 9 March 2023."

This decision has been hailed by Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff as "an important decision," marking a significant step in holding high-ranking Russian officials accountable for actions during the conflict.

Russia, however, has dismissed these allegations, maintaining that it does not target civilians.

In a related development, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who oversees Moscow's arms control efforts, issued a stark warning to the West. He cautioned that underestimating Russia's resolve, particularly as a major nuclear power, could lead to "tragic and fatal" consequences.

The ICC's move underscores the international community's ongoing efforts to address and seek justice for alleged atrocities committed during the conflict in Ukraine.