ICC Targets Russia: Commanders Wanted
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for two high-ranking Russian military officials: Sergei Kobylash, commander of the Long-Range Aviation, and Viktor Sokolov, who leads the Black Sea Fleet, Ukrainskaia Pravda has reported.
This move comes as part of an ongoing investigation into potential war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine between October 2022 and March 2023.
Prosecutors allege that Kobylash and Sokolov are responsible for missile attacks launched by their forces against Ukrainian electricity infrastructure during this period. These attacks are believed to have caused widespread damage and deprived civilians of essential services.
The ICC's decision to target these commanders marks a significant escalation in its investigation into the Ukraine conflict. In March 2023, the Court also issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin in connection with the alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories.
While Ukraine has welcomed the ICC's latest move, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson dismissed it, stating that Russia does not recognize the Court's authority.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
