US President Joe Biden has welcomed an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and one of his ministers over possible war crimes involving the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children.
The ICC issued the warrant on Friday, saying Mr Putin was “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”.
Mr Biden said the ICC’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Mr Putin was justified.
The US, like Russia, does not recognise the ICC.
"He's clearly committed war crimes," Mr Biden said.
"I think it's justified. But the question is — it's not recognised internationally by us either. But I think it makes a very strong point."
The move came a day after a UN investigation found that Russia has committed wide-ranging war crimes in Ukraine, such as killings and torture that may amount to crimes against humanity.
Moscow has repeatedly denied accusations of committing atrocities after it invaded its neighbour a year ago.
On Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed the UN investigation and accusations of war crimes, saying those behind the claims were not being objective.
“We are ready to analyse specific cases, answer questions, provide data, statistics and facts. But if they are biased, if they represent only one point of view … then there is no use responding to these reports,” she said.
Ukrainian government figures shows that Moscow may have transferred 16,000 children from Ukraine to Russia unlawfully. Russia says that it has only evacuated people looking to leave voluntarily.
The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, Commissioner for Children’s Rights at the Russian President's office.
“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,” the ICC said in a statement.
The ICC said its warrants are secret to protect victims and witnesses but the ICC had announced the move on Friday, in part, to raise awareness that could “contribute to the prevention of the further commission of crimes”.
A possible trial of any Russians at the ICC remains a long way off, as Moscow does not recognise the court’s jurisdiction.
But Ukrainian officials welcomed the news nonetheless.
“The world changed,” said presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter that the “wheels of Justice are turning” and added that “international criminals will be held accountable for stealing children and other international crimes”.
Ukraine's ambassador to the UN Sergiy Kyslytsya welcomed the news of the warrants.
“This is a stamp of historical importance and [a] powerful signal for the entire world that accountability is imminent and punishment is inevitable for every criminal,” he said.
The UN declined to comment.
“The International Criminal Court is independent of the secretariat. We do not comment on their actions,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
Even though Russia rejected the allegations and warrants, others said the ICC action will have an important impact.
“The ICC has made Putin a wanted man and taken its first step to end the impunity that has emboldened perpetrators in Russia’s war against Ukraine for far too long,” said Balkees Jarrah, associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch.
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
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Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
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THE DETAILS
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Brief scoreline:
Burnley 3
Barnes 63', 70', Berg Gudmundsson 75'
Southampton 3
Man of the match
Ashley Barnes (Burnley)
Roll of honour 2019-2020
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners: Dubai Hurricanes
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West Asia Premiership
Winners: Bahrain
Runners up: UAE Premiership
UAE Premiership
Winners: Dubai Exiles
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes
UAE Division One
Winners: Abu Dhabi Saracens
Runners up: Dubai Hurricanes II
UAE Division Two
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Runners up: RAK Rugby
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