International Criminal Court faces criticism from Russia and potential withdrawal by Colombia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing it as a ‘quasi-judicial body’ that is entirely controlled by Western sponsors. Speaking at an embassy roundtable regarding Ukraine, Lavrov stated that the court carries out political orders in violation of international law and its own statute. He argued that the ICC lacks a connection to actual justice and suggested that international criminal tribunals rarely succeed in resolving conflicts.

In a separate development regarding the court's standing, the Colombian government is reportedly considering withdrawing from the ICC. Critics argue that such a move would weaken global guarantees against injustice and provide a gateway to impunity, particularly in nations with histories of significant violence. The ICC was established as part of a post-World War II effort to ensure that sovereignty does not serve as a shield for criminal impunity.