The Worldwide Felony Court docket (ICC) has begun an investigation to find out whether or not any warfare crimes, crimes towards humanity or genocide have been dedicated in Ukraine.
In a press release launched at the moment, ICC Prosecutor Karim AA Khan stated he has obtained referrals from 39 international locations, together with Australia, in regards to the developments in Ukraine from late 2013, previous to Russia's annexation of Crimea.
"These referrals allow my workplace to proceed with opening an investigation into the scenario in Ukraine from 21 November, 2013 onwards, thereby encompassing inside its scope any previous and current allegations of warfare crimes, crimes towards humanity or genocide dedicated on any a part of the territory of Ukraine by any individual," he stated.
LIVE UPDATES:Russian invasion of Ukraine continues
"I've notified the ICC Presidency a couple of moments in the past of my resolution to right away proceed with lively investigations within the Scenario. Our work within the assortment of proof has now commenced."
Mr Khan stated there's already a "cheap foundation" to imagine crimes have been dedicated.
"As talked about in my assertion of 28 February, in its preliminary examination of the scenario in Ukraine, my workplace had already discovered an inexpensive foundation to imagine crimes inside the jurisdiction of the Court docket had been dedicated, and had recognized potential circumstances that might be admissible," he stated.
Affirmation the ICC has begun its investigation into attainable warfare crimes follows accusations from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia's invasion exhibits "indicators of genocide".
"What they're doing in Kharkiv, Okhtyrka, Kyiv, Odesa, and different cities and cities deserves a world tribunal," Mr Zelensky stated in a video assertion posted on Fb on Monday.
"We're documenting their crimes. And there would have been many extra of those crimes if it hadn't been for our brave defenders.
"Now we have to name a spade a spade. Russia's felony actions towards Ukraine present indicators of genocide."
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has additionally accused Russia of warfare crimes.
Russia just isn't a signatory to the ICC — it withdrew in 2016 following its annexation of Crimea — so even when a Russian nationwide is charged with warfare crimes or one of many different three offences the courtroom can examine, they'd nonetheless have to be arrested in a rustic that may be a signatory.
'I am going to jab them with a pitchfork': Ukrainians react to Russia's warfare
Ukraine can be not a signatory to the ICC, however has accepted its jurisdiction up to now.