Russia withdraws from International Criminal Court

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed a decree declaring that his country will not become a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In his decree, Putin ordered Russia’s Foreign Ministry to inform the UN of his decision.
Earlier this week, the court released a statement saying it was considering Russia and Ukraine to be involved in an armed conflict, with Crimea as occupied territory.

In 2000, Russia signed a treaty to establish the court, but the country did not ratify an agreement to join.
Countries that have withdrawn from the ICC include The Gambia, Burundi, South Africa and Kenya