Tajikistan’s Welcome of Putin Betrays Victims’ Hope for Justice – Nadia Volkova in CICC Statement

On October 8, the CICC called Tajikistan to cancel Vladimir Putin's visit. The visit, however, eventually has taken place – a violation of cooperation obligations before the ICC by its State Party. In the comment for the statement Nadia Volkova talks about the meaning of such instances of non-cooperation for the Court and the victims.

Since the Coalition for the International Criminal Court issued a statement calling for Vladimir Putin not to be welcomed in Tajikistan, the visit has ultimately taken place. This is yet another case of a State Party to the Rome Statute violating its obligations to cooperate with the ICC.

Despite that, the statement – and Nadia Volkova’s message within it – remains as relevant as ever: those subject to International Criminal Court's arrest warrants must be arrested, not allowed to move freely around the globe, especially by States Parties to the Rome Statute.

For victims of grave crimes committed in the course of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the International Criminal Court remains a key mechanism for ensuring accountability of the Russian leadership. The ICC arrest warrant — a compelling recognition that Vladimir Putin may be responsible for the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children — has so far largely prevented him from freely traveling the world. For victims and survivors, it maintains a vital hope for justice, serving as a reminder that, while he may not yet be arrested, the perpetrator cannot enjoy impunity

Welcoming Putin to Tajikistan would mean that a State Party to the Rome Statute is undermining the very Court it has pledged to uphold. It would also betray those who have suffered and continue to suffer from atrocities while indulging a suspected war criminal. States must arrest, not welcome perpetrators of grave international crimes.

In light of the upcoming Assembly of States Parties (ASP'24) in December 2025, it is now up to all ICC States Parties, as well as the Court itself, to address what is increasingly appearing to be a systemic issue – with Mongolia last year and now Tajikistan. 

Non-cooperation undermines the Court’s legitimacy and betrays the hope for justice of those who suffered the greatest harm.