In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in clear violation of the UN charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Since the invasion, there have been real-time reports of war crimes being committed by the Russian military in Ukraine, including the targeting and killing of civilians. In addition to a torrent of sanctions being applied across the world against Russia, the chief prosecutor of the international criminal court has also recently announced an investigation into possible Russian war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine after receiving referrals from 43 states parties. To discuss the international criminal court’s investigation in Ukraine, including potential outcomes and alternate paths to hold Russia accountable for crimes of aggression, I am joined today by Ambassador David Scheffer.
Ambassador Scheffer is senior fellow at the council on foreign relations (CFR) with a focus on international law and international criminal justice. He was the first ever US Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues and led the US delegation to the UN talks establishing the international criminal court. We hope you enjoy today’s episode of the Hopkins Podcast on Foreign Affairs.
Russia in the International Criminal Court
Episode Credits:
Editor: Lidie Ataoguz
Hosts: Julia An, Lauren Zou
Hopkins Podcast on Foreign Affairs 