Two US lawmakers introduced Wednesday draft resolution S. Res. 531, calling on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ) to investigate Russia and President Vladimir Putin for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The press conference to announce the draft resolution was held by US Senator Lindsey Graham and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz, a Ukrainian-born US lawmaker. Graham said he was motivated to condemn Russia in light of the increasingly violent attacks against Ukraine. Spartz discussed the importance of the action, recounting messages she received from friends and family still in Ukraine.
Russia faces increasing pressure from the international community to cease action in Ukraine. In addition to sanctions from the US, the ICC announced Monday an investigation into possible war crimes committed in Ukraine. The ICJ announced Tuesday that it would hold hearings on March 7 and 8 to determine whether to order “provisional measures” brought in a lawsuit by Ukraine against Russia.
The draft resolution introduced by Graham and Spartz is not yet finalized, as it still faces edits in committee. The current draft of the bill condemns Russia actions in Ukraine, referring to them as war crimes. The resolution seeks to hold Russia accountable through several channels, including the ICC, the ICJ, and other international institutions.
The resolution also supports the ICC’s decision to investigate Putin and Russia officials for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic human rights abuses. Furthermore, the resolution supports Ukraine’s complaint requesting the ICC and ICJ to expand their investigations into Russia armed forces, their proxies, and military commanders.
Graham said: “If the United States Senate supports the Ukrainian complaint [to the ICC and ICJ], I believe other nations will join. It will be the first step in decades to make the consequences of his actions real to Putin.”
The resolution was referred Thursday to the Committee on Foreign Relations where it begins the process towards approval.
