The International Criminal Court has 15,000 ongoing investigations into Russia’s war crimes since it began invading Ukraine over three months ago. Indeed, Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Iryna Venediktova told reporters Tuesday about the ongoing investigations. “We have 15,000 cases only about Ukraine,” she said while discussing a joint effort by the International Criminal Court to hold Russia […]
The International Criminal Court has 15,000 ongoing investigations into Russia’s war crimes since it began invading Ukraine over three months ago.
Indeed, Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Iryna Venediktova told reporters Tuesday about the ongoing investigations.
“We have 15,000 cases only about Ukraine,” she said while discussing a joint effort by the International Criminal Court to hold Russia accountable for its actions, per Fox News. “Just think about it, only 15,000. Tomorrow [there will be an] extra 200-300.”
The ICC launched its largest-ever investigation into war crimes earlier this month in coordination with the European Union’s legal branch, Eurojust, along with Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine.
At least six European nations and the U.S. have also launched their own investigations.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan welcomed any support by outside nations as the ICC continues its investigations.
"What we should do is applaud any authority, any independent prosecutor that is trying to get to the truth and vindicate the rights of survivors. We're not in competition. This is a shared obligation," he said.
"In terms of the finances, every prosecutor will want more resources. But I think objectively if you look at it, the cost of justice is small potatoes compared to the billions of dollars that are expended in conflict," he added. "It's much cheaper to fund a judicial mechanism than to buy tanks and missiles."
Khan said the court will open an office in Kyiv to assist with its investigations, but said gaining access to all parts of the country remains difficult.
