Ukraine became a participant of the Rome Statute: the ICC named the country's opportunities and obligations.

Ukraine has become the 125th state party to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and from January 1, 2025, will have the same rights as other states, meaning it will become a full member of the ICC, including the ability to participate in elections, propose amendments, and so on.

In the court building, among the flags of ICC member states, the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag was raised. 'Ukraine officially becomes the 125th state party to the International Criminal Court on January 1, 2025. This means that now it is a full-fledged state party to this international treaty and has all the rights and obligations conferred on member states. The most important among them is the right to vote on the approval of the budget, the adoption of changes, amendments to the Rome Statute, the election of judges, the future prosecutor, and their deputies, which in some way helps to shape the future of international criminal law,' said ICC spokesman Fadi el-Abdallah in an exclusive comment to Ukrinform.

In response to a question about a Ukrainian judge at the ICC, Fadi el-Abdallah said:

'It is entirely possible for Ukraine as a state party to nominate candidates. This will then depend on the Assembly's vote. There are certain requirements for ICC judges regarding experience, particularly in international or criminal law. One must also be qualified for the highest judicial positions in their home country. Moreover, elections for six ICC judges take place every three years. So we certainly hope that Ukraine will participate in all possible options for cooperation and support for the International Criminal Court, including nominating candidates for judicial positions, as well as contributing to an increase in the number of Ukrainian colleagues in the ICC.'

According to the spokesman, one of the requirements for judges is fluency in at least one of the two official languages of the International Criminal Court: English or French. Knowing both languages is an advantage, but it is essential to know at least one of them, as these are the working languages of the ICC.

Fadi el-Abdallah pointed out that 'it is important to understand that the ICC does not prosecute states; it always concerns individual responsibility for crimes. Who can bring charges against suspects? Not states, but the ICC prosecutor. Member states can submit referrals to the prosecutor regarding specific conflicts or particular crimes, and then he can decide whether to open proceedings and assess which crimes fall under the ICC's jurisdiction. Based on the evidence collected, the prosecutor may decide to bring charges, which means referring to judges for the issuance of arrest warrants or summons. This is decided by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.'

He also stated that 'Ukraine has previously recognized the jurisdiction of the ICC, based on which an investigation has been initiated that is currently ongoing. In this framework, the ICC prosecutor has already initiated several cases, and new cases and charges may be initiated. The ratification of the Rome Statute by Ukraine does not mean that a new investigation needs to start, as it has already commenced based on Ukraine's previous statement.'

According to him, after ratification, Ukraine also acquired new obligations, such as financial participation in forming the budget. The spokesman also clarified that the ICC budget is approved by the Assembly of State Parties to the ICC, taking into account the size of the economy and the population of each country.

'The budget of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is approved by the Assembly. That is, we have 125 states, including Ukraine. The budget is approximately 190 million euros. And the burden is distributed among all states, but in a certain proportion. The budget is based on the same formula as that of the UN, taking into account the size of the economy and the population of the country. That is why, for example, Japan and Germany are among the largest contributors to the ICC budget. Right now, I do not have exact figures regarding what Ukraine's contribution should be. But it will be proportional to the size of its economy and population,' he said.