Will Russian President Putin be Arrested?

The International Court of Justice is in action and issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Will Russian President Putin be Arrested?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on war crimes and charges over the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. The ICC said on similar charges an arrest warrant was also issued against Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights Maria Lavova-Belova.

It is worth noting that the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia next week. According to Ukraine's statement, more than 16 thousand Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the February 24, 2022 invasion. Many are reportedly placed in institutions and foster homes.

Karim Khan, ICC lawyer has said that the arrest warrant has been issued based on forensic evidence and investigations. "The evidence we presented focused on crimes against children. Children are the most vulnerable part of our society,".

What does the arrest warrant for Russian president Vladimir Putin actually mean?

Prosecutor Khan opened an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine days after Russia's invasion. ICC President Piotr Hofmanski said there were "reasonable grounds" to suspect Putin of criminal responsibility and that the execution of the warrants "depends on international cooperation".

Established in 2002, the ICC is the world's most notorious crimes court. War-torn Ukraine welcomed the ICC's announcement. President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed "this historic decision". Ukraine's Western allies also applauded the move. US President Joe Biden said the warrant was "reasonable" and "presents a very strong point".

US State Department spokesman said, "There is no doubt that Russia is committing war crimes and atrocities in Ukraine, and we are clear that those responsible should be held accountable,".

Britain "welcomed," the decision, and the EU said, "this is just the beginning". Human Rights Watch said it was a "big day" for Russian forces victims. But Russia has dismissed the orders as "invalid". Russia is not a representative of the ICC, so it is unclear what steps will be taken in the Putin case.