Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, ratified several pieces of legislation aimed at Russia this Saturday as Ukraine celebrated its independence day. This included the official ratification of a law enabling Ukraine’s future entry into the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move by Ukraine, endorsing the Rome Statute, potentially increases the likelihood of Russian prosecution for war crimes following Moscow’s invasion that started in February 2022, according to Zelenskiy’s administration. This historic event came as Ukraine observes 33 years since its break away from the Soviet Union.
Ukraine has long seen ICC membership as a pivotal step in its European ambitions. Although it accepted ICC’s jurisdiction in the past, full membership is an integral part of the country’s ultimate intention to become part of the European Union.
In response to alleged offences against Ukrainian citizens, arrest warrants have been issued by the ICC for several Russian officials, President Vladimir Putin and former Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu included. These claims were rebutted by Russia.
Furthermore, Zelenskiy established a law prohibiting any religious organisations associated with Moscow, according to the parliamentary website. “On Ukraine’s 33rd Independence Day, all that our adversary forced onto our land is now back in their possession,” Zelenskiy stated in a recorded video coming from Sumy region, a northeast border area where Kyiv initiated a significant cross-border counteract against Russia’s Kursk region.
Zelenskiy emphasised to his fellow Ukrainians that being independent extends to ensuring justice. He stated, “The measures we’ve initiated today are essential to solidify our independence.”
Specifically, this law restricts Moscow-associated religious groups and was passed by the parliament earlier in the month. It offers the government the legal means to prevent a branch of the Orthodox church associated with Russia. The new law will become effective 30 days after publication. After that, religious groups will have nine months to sever their ties with religious bodies linked to Russia. In addition, Zelenskiy signed a statute that allows foreign nationals fighting in the Ukrainian military against Russian forces to acquire Ukrainian citizenship.
Voices of support came from global figures like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Ukraine’s Independence day. He expressed, “From Britain to the people of Ukraine, we extend our warmest wishes on your independence day,” on X social media platform.
“I’d like you to be aware that we are committed to supporting you indefinitely, doing whatever is necessary until success is achieved and enduring peace is established”.
This announcement occurs as Ukraine and Russia finalise plans to release 115 detainees each, following discussions mediated by the United Arab Emirates. An Emirati ambassador expressed this, opting to stay anonymous as the specifics are not yet public information. No immediate reaction from Ukrainian and Russian representatives was registered regarding the impending prisoner release.
According to this source, this will be the UAE’s seventh time mediating such an operation since the onset of Ukraine’s invasion by Russia in February 2022. Despite its tight security alliance with the United States, Abu Dhabi has sustained cordial ties with Moscow during the ongoing conflict, causing some annoyance amongst Western delegates. The UAE’s bond with Kyiv has also tightened.
Emirati officials argue that their diplomatic capabilities enable them to effectively act as go-betweens, fostering international cooperation and ensuring safety. Since the conflict’s inception, the UAE has mediated the liberation of 1,788 detainees, including those planned for release this Saturday.
On the 6th of August, Ukraine’s military unexpectedly assaulted Russia’s Kursk region. This attack is the most severe by a foreign power within Russian borderlines since World War II. Kyiv claims to have established a defence zone within a region Russia, which deployed thousands of troops into Ukraine in 2022, has been utilising to strike Ukrainian locations.