International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Russian military chief, ex-defense minister

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday issued arrest warrants for former Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu and General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov.

The ICC said in a statement posted on its website that the decision was made after an investigation into alleged international crimes committed in Ukraine between at least Oct.10 2022, and at least March 9, 2023.

Shoygu and Gerasimov are accused of ordering attacks on civilian infrastructure that resulted in excessive incidental harm, as well as committing crimes against humanity of inhumane acts, according to the statement.

"The two warrants of arrest were issued following applications filed by the Prosecution. Pre-Trial Chamber II considered that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the two suspects bear responsibility for missile strikes carried out by the Russian armed forces against the Ukrainian electric infrastructure from at least 10 October 2022 until at least 9 March 2023," it said.

According to the court statement, the warrants' contents are classified to protect witnesses and the investigations.

"However, mindful that conduct similar to that addressed in the warrants of arrest, which amounts to violations of international humanitarian law, appears to be ongoing, the Chamber considered that public awareness of the warrants may contribute to the prevention of the further commission of crimes" it said.