As of January 1, 2025, Ukraine has become the 125th full member state of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This is reported by "European Truth".
The International Criminal Court is a permanent international tribunal that investigates, prosecutes, and holds accountable individuals accused of committing universally recognized international crimes.
By becoming a full member of the Rome Statute of the ICC, Ukraine has gained the ability to participate in the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC, raise issues for consideration, vote on the ICC budget allocation, take part in the election of judges and other officials, including the ICC prosecutor, influence the ICC's priorities, and contribute to amendments to the Rome Statute.
This will enhance Ukraine's role on the international stage and help improve the system of international justice.
In December 2026, the Assembly of States Parties will elect new judges. Ukraine will be able to nominate its candidate and vote for others.
Full participation of Ukraine in the ICC will simplify access for Ukrainians affected by Russian crimes to the ICC's special Trust Fund for victims. Ukraine will be able to influence how these funds are distributed and to whom they will go.
Ukraine signed the Rome Statute back in 2000, but has not ratified it to date – even though in 2015 the necessity for ratification was recognized by a decision of the National Security and Defense Council. One of the reasons cited was the fear that the ICC might hold Ukrainian citizens accountable.
Ukraine ratified the Rome Statute with a declaration under Article 124 of the Rome Statute, which states that the ICC does not have jurisdiction under Article 8 (war crimes) regarding Ukrainian citizens for seven years after ratification.
The Verkhovna Rada supported the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on Wednesday, August 21.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the law on the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court adopted by the Rada on August 24, 2024.