Kyiv Responds back to Putin’s “Wanted List”

The inclusion of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the Kremlin's "wanted list" highlights what Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes as "the desperation of the Russian state machine and propaganda." The list serves as an online database of individuals accused by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs of criminal activities. Although Russia has stated that Zelenskyy is wanted "under an article of the criminal code," specific details have not been provided⁷.

Since the outset of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has allegedly sought to assassinate President Zelenskyy. Russian President Vladimir Putin even called on the Ukrainian army to overthrow him⁹. Notably, Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was also added to Moscow's wanted list for her perceived "desecration of historical memory and hostility towards Russia"¹¹.

In response, Ukraine's ministry emphasized that Moscow's actions are merely attempts to gain attention. They contrasted these "worthless Russian announcements" with the International Criminal Court's (ICC) real and enforceable warrant for the arrest of Russian leader Vladimir Putin on war crimes charges. The ICC's jurisdiction spans 123 countries, making it a significant legal development⁷.

Sources:
1. Russia adds Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy to wanted list
2. Ukraine claps back after Russia puts Zelenskyy on ‘wanted list’
3. Russia puts Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on a wanted list
4. Putin arrest warrant issued over war crime allegations
5. International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant for Putin over Ukraine war crimes
6. International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova

Please note that while the ICC's arrest warrant for Putin exists, its practical impact is limited due to jurisdictional constraints. Russia is not an ICC member country, and the court lacks the authority to physically apprehend suspects. However, the warrant may have other implications, such as restricting international travel for the Russian president²⁵.⁹

Source: 5/5/2024
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(2) Ukraine claps back after Russia puts Zelenskyy on ‘wanted list’. https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-claps-back-russia-volodymyr-zelenskyy-wanted-list/.
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(29) Getty. https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/vladimir-putin-president-of-russia-arrives-for-the-lunch-after-the-picture-id1060170802?b=1&k=6&m=1060170802&s=612×612&w=0&h=430WhJRovNhDKXo67HXsshIr_OtYFXTzfaBteSgJqpE=.