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Russia 'will be held accountable for every act of terror against Ukrainians': Zelensky

20.03.2023 06:30
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin is "a turning point" in efforts to hold Russia accountable "for every act of terror against Ukrainians."
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr ZelenskyPhoto: EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday issued an arrest warrant for Putin, accusing him of being responsible for war crimes committed in Ukraine.

The Hague-based court said Putin was allegedly responsible for unlawful deportation of children and unlawful transfer of people from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia.

"Another week of our defense against the evil state is coming to an end," Zelensky said in a video address late on Sunday, as quoted by his office. "Another week when every day, every night, the Russian army shelled Ukrainian cities, villages, and killed our people."

He vowed: "The evil state will be held accountable for every act of terror against Ukrainians."

Zelensky added: "This week has finally brought a truly significant international legal result for Ukraine, for justice. There is a warrant of the International Criminal Court for the arrest of the Russian leader, and this is a turning point."

Zelensky told Ukrainians: "The moment after which it becomes undeniable that the end of this aggression for Russia will be the full range of its responsibility."

He said: "Responsibility for every strike on Ukraine, for every destroyed life, for every deported Ukrainian child... And, of course, for every manifestation of destabilization of the world caused by Russian aggression."

Monday is day 390 of Russia’s full-scale war oUkraine.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, ukrinform.net