Ukraine will expand cooperation with the International Criminal Court, with additional personnel expected to be assigned to the ICC Office in Ukraine.
This was reported by the Ministry of Justice.
“The government has approved a resolution to sign a draft Agreement between the government and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding the secondment of personnel to the ICC Office in Ukraine. This step is aimed at deepening cooperation in investigating international crimes committed in connection with the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, and strengthening coordination with international partners to bring those responsible to justice,” the statement reads.
The agreement establishes a legal basis for involving employees of the National Police, prosecutors, and representatives of other competent bodies in the work of the ICC Office in Ukraine. They will provide professional assistance in collecting evidence and conducting investigations.
Specifically, the document defines the procedure for seconding personnel, their legal status and guarantees of independence, as well as conditions for social and medical support.
A separate section provides for the granting of immunities and privileges, as well as financial mechanisms to ensure implementation of the Agreement without additional expenses from the state budget.
The text of the draft Agreement is based on the ICC’s standard Staff Secondment Agreement, which was refined by the Ministry of Justice together with the Prosecutor General’s Office and coordinated with ICC representatives.
“The Agreement is concluded in accordance with Article 44 of the Rome Statute of the ICC, ratified by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which is part of national legislation. It will ensure proper presence and effective activity of the ICC Prosecutor’s Office in Ukraine, contribute to strengthening international legal mechanisms to hold accountable those guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity, and will be an important step in further integrating Ukraine into the international criminal justice system,” the Ministry explained.
The Ministry of Justice emphasized that signing this Agreement is not merely a formal step in interstate cooperation, but an effective tool in the fight for justice.
“The document will strengthen evidence collection, ensure proper protection of victims’ rights, and reinforce Ukraine’s position in upholding the principle of the inevitability of punishment for the most serious international crimes,” the Ministry added.
