Moscow Court Sentences ICC Prosecutor and Officials in Absentia Over Putin Arrest Warrant

On December 12, 2025, the Moscow City Court sentenced International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan and eight other ICC judges and officials in absentia to prison terms of up to 15 years. The court's decision stems from allegations that these individuals unlawfully prosecuted Russian citizens after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova.

The Russian court's ruling is widely viewed as a retaliatory measure following the March 2023 ICC arrest warrants related to alleged war crimes in Ukraine, including the illegal deportation of children. Russia has consistently rejected the ICC's legitimacy and deemed its actions unlawful within its jurisdiction.

It is important to note that sentences delivered in absentia mean that the accused were not present at the trial, and Russia lacks legal authority to enforce these prison terms unless the individuals voluntarily enter Russian territory. Consequently, these judgments have no bearing on ICC operations or international law.

Separately, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan has taken a temporary leave since May 2025 amid an internal United Nations investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. This internal ICC process is unrelated to the Moscow court's sentencing.

Additionally, in February 2025, the United States government, under an executive order, imposed sanctions on the ICC and key figures including Khan. These sanctions were a response to ICC investigations involving alleged war crimes committed by U.S. and allied personnel and include visa restrictions and potential financial penalties. This U.S. action is independent from Russia's legal measures.

In summary, while the Moscow court's sentencing of ICC officials marks a significant political statement amid ongoing tensions over the Ukraine conflict, it does not affect the ICC's jurisdiction or Khan's standing within the court. The sanctions and investigations concerning Khan are separate matters and should not be conflated with Russia's legal actions.

This context clarifies misleading claims circulating on social media suggesting direct legal repercussions or connections between these separate events.