Ukraine could start a war criminal investigation against Kim Jong un via Russia, says the former ICC boss

The North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un could be examined by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the support of Russia against Ukraine. Sang-Hyun, former President of the ICC, said Yonhap on May 19.

“There is the possibility for the Ukrainian authorities as a victim to submit a complaint against North Korea at the ICC,” said Song. “While a complaint submitted by Ukraine would be ideal, the ICC also has the authority to initiate an independent examination.”

Song's statement comes, as North Korea confirmed for the first time at the end of April that it had sent troops to fight against Ukraine alongside the Russian armed forces in Kursk.

Despite numerous human rights violations in North Korea, the ICC Kim has not charged. From now on, however, there are sufficient legal reasons for Ukraine to let a case against him

“Time is the right to bring Kim Jong Un to the ICC,” said Song at an international conference in Seoul and added that North Korean military support in Russia is a reason for the submission of a complaint against Pyongyang.

Song also asked the ICC to actively react to war crimes that were committed by the North Korean leadership and its allies.

North Korea first sent around 11,000 soldiers to help Russia in autumn 2024. According to reports, another 3,000 soldiers were sent at the beginning of this year after Kyiv reported that more than a third of the North Korean soldiers were killed or injured in combat.

Kim was one of the most important allies of Russia during his full war against Ukraine and not only provided soldiers, but also artillery mussels, ballistic rockets and other supplies.