Ukraine and the International Criminal Court in The Hague reached a milestone when the ICC agreed to open a representative office on Ukrainian soil. This development was announced by ICC officials and confirmed in a report from the ICC network, signaling a new phase in the court’s engagement with Ukraine and its legal system.
The cooperation agreement was formally signed on March 23 in The Hague by Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin and ICC Secretary Peter Lewis. The signing ceremony underscored a shared commitment to expand the ICC’s presence in Ukraine, with formal statements highlighting the importance of closer, more practical collaboration between national authorities and the international judiciary.
In remarks following the signing, Peter Lewis expressed gratitude for the robust cooperation, ongoing support, and practical assistance provided by the Ukrainian government. He emphasized the value of reinforcing their partnership and the mutual benefits that arise from a sustained dialogue between Kyiv and the ICC as both work to address crimes that fall within the court’s mandate. The comments reinforced the notion that a physical ICC office in Ukraine could enhance coordination, facilitate information sharing, and accelerate the court’s work at a regional level.
Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Kostin framed the move as a turning point in bilateral relations with the ICC. He stressed that the office would support ongoing investigations and legal proceedings related to international crimes committed on Ukrainian soil. Kostin asserted that accountability would extend to all parties involved, regardless of political or military status, reflecting Ukraine’s resolve to pursue justice for victims and to strengthen the rule of law within the country and beyond its borders.
The ICC described its network of field offices as essential for building and maintaining productive relationships with key stakeholders in each country where the court operates. Such offices are intended to support the court’s jurisdiction, enable closer cooperation with national authorities, and bolster the effectiveness of ICC activities across different regions. The establishment of a Ukrainian office is presented as part of this broader strategy to deepen engagement and improve operational efficiency on the ground.
Meanwhile, statements from other international actors have added context to the evolving landscape. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated that Moscow does not share the same approach and that there are no plans to cooperate with the ICC in this area. The absence of alignment from Russia illustrates the ongoing tensions surrounding international justice initiatives and the complex geopolitical environment in which the ICC operates. This dynamic underscores why the ICC continues to pursue partnerships with multiple states and entities that are willing to participate in dialogue and joint efforts toward accountability for international crimes.