ICC prosecutor launches Ukraine war crimes investigation

The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor has put combatants and their commanders on notice that he is monitoring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has jurisdiction to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity (Peter Dejong/AP)

The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor has launched an investigation that could target senior officials believed to be responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide amid a rising civilian death toll and widespread destruction of property during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Karim Khan announced the probe late on Wednesday night after dozens of the court’s member states asked him to take action.