Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands on May 4.
Ukrainian leader Zelensky was received by ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmanski on May 4 in The Hague.
According to Reuters news agency, at the ICC headquarters, the Ukrainian leader, wearing a typical khaki suit, was welcomed by the President of the Court, Judge Piotr Hofmanski.
The ICC is currently investigating allegations of Russian war crimes in Ukraine and on March 17 issued arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and Russian Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova on charges of "crimes allegedly committed on the territory of Ukraine 'occupied' since at least February 24, 2022." Russia has strongly denied these allegations.
Russia, which is not a member of the ICC and rejects its jurisdiction, also denies carrying out atrocities in the conflict with Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation".
During his first official visit to the Netherlands, President Zelensky is scheduled to give a speech on the morning of May 5, also in The Hague, titled "No peace without justice for Ukraine".
Since the conflict with Russia erupted in February 2022, the Ukrainian leader has visited several foreign capitals including London, Paris and Washington DC.
The Netherlands has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, with Prime Minister Rutte saying in February that he did not rule out any form of military support for Kiev as long as it did not bring NATO into conflict with Russia.
In the Netherlands, President Zelensky, after meeting with Dutch lawmakers on the morning of May 4, will also have meetings with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in February this year that an international centre for prosecuting crimes in Ukraine would be established in The Hague.
The ICC can prosecute genocide in Ukraine but has no jurisdiction over acts of "aggression" there.
An act of "aggression" is defined by the United Nations as "an invasion or attack by the armed forces of one State on the territory of another State, or any military occupation".
Russia has stepped up its attacks as Ukraine prepares for a counter-offensive to try to regain lost territories in the south and east of the country.
According to News