ICC issues arrest warrant for putin over war crimes in Ukraine

The International Criminal Court said Friday it has issued an arrest warrant for russian president vladimir putin for war crimes allegations in Ukraine.

The arrest warrant was also issued to maria lvova-belova, the Commissioner for Children's Rights in putin's office, over the scheme of abducting Ukrainian children to russia, the ICC press office reports.

"vladimir putin is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the russian federation." the statement says.

At the same time, lvova-belova is also accused of illegally deporting Ukrainian children to russia.

"There are reasonable grounds to believe that each suspect bears responsibility for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population and that of unlawful transfer of population from occupied areas of Ukraine to the russian federation, in prejudice of Ukrainian children." ICC press office adds.

The court ruled that the warrants are classified to protect victims and witnesses, as well as to ensure the safety of the investigation.

"However, given that the conduct at issue in this situation is likely to be ongoing, and that informing the public about the warrants may help prevent further crimes," the statement adds.

On March 16, a UN-backed inquiry cited russian attacks against civilians in Ukraine, including systematic torture and killing in occupied regions, among potential issues that amount to war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity.