Ukraine Ratifies Rome Statute, Paving Way for ICC Membership

The move aims to hold Russian officials accountable for alleged war crimes and advances Ukraine's EU membership aspirations.

Ukraine's parliament voted overwhelmingly to join the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The ICC can prosecute crimes such as genocide and crimes against humanity.
Ukraine had signed the Rome Statute in 2000 but faced delays in ratification due to concerns about prosecuting its own soldiers.
The ratification includes a clause exempting Ukrainian citizens from war crimes prosecution for seven years.
Joining the ICC is seen as a step towards Ukraine's goal of EU membership.