Standing up for international law and for the International Criminal Court is in our greatest possible security interest. Only the strength of the law can protect against the law of the strong. Ultimately, when rules no longer apply, everyone loses. Jointly upholding the international legal order and international jurisdiction is not only our best life insurance policy, it also provides the groundwork for prosperity and peace.

The International Criminal Court is one of the greatest accomplishments of international criminal law, and it enjoys backing from more than 120 countries. It is built on fundamental principles: the enforcement of international criminal law and the independence of international courts – principles that create security for all. That is why we support the ICC, and that is why the ICC needs our support.

If the ICC were now not able to carry on with its work, Putin would be very much delighted. During the last three years, Putin has learned that his crimes against humanity, such as the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children, have real consequences. For example, Putin was not able to attend the BRICS Summit in South Africa because, as a signatory of the Rome Statute, South Africa would have had to arrest him. No one is above international law.