North Korea's Kim could face war crime probe for supporting Russia's war against Ukraine: Former ICC chief

IANS May 19, 2025 212 views

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could face a potential war crimes investigation at the International Criminal Court for supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Former ICC president Song Sang-hyun highlighted that Ukraine now has legal grounds to file a complaint against North Korea for its military assistance to Russia. The ICC has previously issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, setting a precedent for such international legal action. This development marks a significant escalation in potential international legal consequences for North Korea's involvement in the conflict.

"The time is right to bring Kim Jong-un before the ICC" - Song Sang-hyun, Former ICC President
Seoul, May 19: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could face a war crime probe at the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) for supporting Russia's war against Ukraine, a former chief of the ICC said Monday, adding that it is the right time for Kim to be brought to justice.

Key Points

1

North Korea confirms troop deployment to support Russia

2

ICC can initiate independent investigation

3

Potential legal action for war crimes support

Song Sang-hyun, former president of the ICC, made the remarks at an international conference in Seoul, as North Korea confirmed for the first time last month that it has deployed troops to Russia to support Moscow's war against Ukraine.

Kim has not yet been referred to the ICC despite his human rights violations in North Korea, but legal standards have been met now for Ukraine to pursue a case against him at the ICC over the North's assistance in the Russia-Ukraine war, the former ICC president noted.

"The time is right to bring Kim Jong-un before the ICC," Song said in his keynote speech at the event, adding that Pyongyang's military assistance to Russia provided Ukraine with the legal standards to file a complaint against North Korea as a victim.

"There is an opportunity for Ukrainian authorities, as the victim, to file a complaint against North Korea with the ICC," Song said. "While a complaint filed by Ukraine would be very ideal, the ICC also has the authority to initiate an independent investigation."

In March 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over suspected war crimes connected to Russia's war against Ukraine, Yonhap news agency reported.

Since late last year, North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to fight alongside Russian forces in the war, with Pyongyang and Moscow officially confirming the troop deployment last month.

Without a statute of limitations, an ICC arrest warrant requires the accused to "carry the stigma for their entire life" and imposes "significant psychological punishment" by prohibiting them from setting foot in 124 ICC member countries, Song noted.

He also urged the ICC to respond more actively to war crimes committed by the North Korean leadership and their accomplices.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
While Kim's actions deserve condemnation, we must remember India's strategic neutrality in this conflict. Our focus should remain on protecting Indian interests and maintaining good relations with all nations involved. The ICC must show equal scrutiny to all war crimes globally, not just selective cases.
P
Priya M.
This shows how dangerous authoritarian regimes can be when they collaborate! First China-Russia nexus, now North Korea joining hands. India must be cautious about such alliances forming near our borders. Hope the ICC takes strong action - justice delayed is justice denied.
A
Arjun S.
ICC should first focus on more pressing issues in our neighborhood like China's aggression in Ladakh before chasing dictators halfway across the world. Not saying Kim is innocent, but our own security concerns need more international attention 🇮🇳
S
Sunita R.
Interesting development, but will this actually lead to anything? Powerful leaders rarely face consequences. Look at how Putin still travels freely despite the warrant. Still, it's good to see international law trying to hold dictators accountable. Maybe one day justice will prevail 🤞
V
Vikram J.
As an Indian, I'm more concerned about how this affects global stability. War anywhere affects trade everywhere. Our economy can't afford more disruptions. Hope diplomatic solutions prevail before this escalates further. Peace is better for business and development.
N
Neha T.
While the ICC's intentions are good, let's be practical - Kim won't suddenly surrender himself. Instead of symbolic warrants, the international community should focus on cutting supply chains that enable such regimes. Economic sanctions with real teeth would be more effective than legal proceedings.

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Tags:
Kim Jong-un ICC War Crimes North Korea Russia-Ukraine War International Criminal Court