Armenia Warns They Will Arrest Putin if He Visits the Country

Armenia Defies Kremlin by Ratifying ICC’s Rome Statute

Armenia has defied the wishes of its Kremlin ally and ratified the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Rome Statute, a treaty that established the ICC. The move, which was rebuked by Russia, means Armenia is bound by the court’s decisions, including an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

ICC Issues Arrest Warrant for Putin Over Deportation of Children from Ukraine

The ICC has issued an international arrest warrant for Putin over allegations that he orchestrated the deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia. The charges are seen as a bold assertion of international justice and represent the first ever indictment against a sitting leader of a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Khan, the prosecutor at the ICC, seized upon Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to get 43 member states to request an investigation. Putin’s direct role in orchestrating state policy was cited as evidence.

Armenian Ruling Party Warns They Will Arrest Putin if He Visits

The ruling party in Armenia has warned that they will have no choice but to arrest Putin if he visits the country. The move comes after an ICC arrest warrant was issued for Putin regarding alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Other countries, including Ireland, Croatia, Austria, and Germany have said they will enforce the warrant.

Hungary Refuses to Enforce ICC’s Arrest Warrant for Putin

Hungary, a Kremlin ally, has announced it will not enforce the ICC’s arrest warrant for Putin despite being a signatory state to the statute. Hungary’s decision stands in stark contrast to other Kremlin allies who remain loyal to Moscow.

India and China Concerned Over Putin’s War Crimes in Ukraine

Indian officials have expressed concern over Putin’s war crimes in Ukraine, urging the countries to avoid conflict and the use of nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping was caught off guard by Putin’s invasion and is reportedly dismayed at the way it is being carried out.

South Africa Faces Dilemma Over ICC’s Arrest Warrant for Putin

South Africa is set to host the 15th summit of the BRICS bloc, which includes Russia, and faces a difficult decision over whether to enforce the ICC’s arrest warrant for Putin. If South Africa chooses to arrest Putin, it risks alienating Russia, losing international credibility and preferential trade terms that far exceed its trade with Russia. However, if it welcomes Putin, it could be seen as violating international law and its obligations under the ICC statute.

In conclusion, Armenia’s decision to ratify the Rome Statute and threaten to arrest Putin if he visits the country shows that even Kremlin allies are growing more willing to question Moscow’s judgment in the war in Ukraine. While countries like Hungary refuse to enforce the ICC’s arrest warrant against Putin, others like Ireland, Croatia, Austria, and Germany have pledged to do so. The situation in South Africa highlights the difficult position states find themselves in when balancing their obligations under international law with their relationships with powerful nations like Russia.

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