International Court Issues Arrest Warrants for Top Russian Commanders
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for top Russian commanders over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
Sergei Kobylash and Viktor Sokolov, an army lieutenant general and a navy admiral, are the two men named by the ICC.
Mr. Kobylash, 58, was the commander of long-range aviation for the Russian Air Force at the time of the alleged crimes.
Mr. Sokolov, 61, was an admiral in the Russian Navy who commanded the black sea fleet during the period to which the charges relate, according to the ICC.
This is the second round of warrants for Russian officials related to the war in Ukraine.
The first was for President Vladimir Putin and his children’s rights envoy.
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Russia does not recognize the ICC, making it highly unlikely they will ever be deported to face the charges.
The alleged crimes took place between October 2022 and March 2023, the ICC said.
The court said that the attacks caused civilian harm and damage that would have been excessive.
The two men are each allegedly responsible for the war crime of directing attacks at civilian objects and are also accused of the crime against humanity of inhumane acts, the court said.
Mr Kobylash, 58, was the commander of long-range aviation for the Russian Air Force at the time of the alleged crimes.
Mr Sokolov, 61, was an admiral in the Russian navy who commanded the Black Sea Fleet during the period to which the charges relate, according to the ICC.
Moscow has in the past denied targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
