Ukraine becomes full party to ICC Rome Statute

Ukraine became the 125th full-fledged member state of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 1 January 2025.

Source: European Pravda

Details: The ICC is a permanent international tribunal responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and holding individuals accountable for universally recognised international crimes.  

By joining the Rome Statute as a full member, Ukraine gains significant rights within the ICC framework. This includes participating in the Assembly of States Parties, proposing issues for discussion, voting on the ICC’s budget, and contributing to the election of judges, the prosecutor, and other key officials. Ukraine will also have a voice in setting the ICC’s priorities and shaping amendments to the Rome Statute.  

This will strengthen Ukraine’s position on the international stage and provide an opportunity to advance global justice.  

In December 2026, the Assembly of States Parties will elect new judges. Ukraine will be able to nominate its candidate and participate in the voting process.  

Additionally, Ukraine’s full membership in the ICC will improve access for Ukrainians affected by Russian crimes to the ICC’s Trust Fund for Victims. As a member, Ukraine will help determine how these funds are allocated and who receives them.

Background:

• Ukraine signed the Rome Statute in 2000 but refrained from ratifying it for more than two decades. Even in 2015, when the National Security and Defence Council acknowledged the need for ratification, the process stalled. One of the main concerns was the possibility that the ICC could prosecute Ukrainian citizens.  
• Ultimately, Ukraine ratified the Rome Statute with a declaration under Article 124, which limits the ICC’s jurisdiction under Article 8 (war crimes) concerning Ukrainian citizens for seven years after ratification.  
• Ukraine’s parliament approved the ratification on Wednesday, 21 August 2024. 
• Just days later, on 24 August, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the law, finalising Ukraine’s commitment to the International Criminal Court. 

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