Russia shuns International Criminal Court

President Vladimir Putin today officially withdrew Russia from the International Criminal Court, which has authority from its members to investigate and prosecute genocide and war crimes. Russia in 2000 signed the treaty establishing the court, but never ratified it. The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed disappointment in the court, saying in a statement it was inefficient and expensive. The United Nations has condemned Russia’s occupation of Crimea and accused it of violating the rights of minorities there. And Monday the International Criminal Court called the situation in Crimea a military conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The Kremlin disputed both agencies, saying it annexed Crimea after residents there voted in a referendum to join Russia. South Africa, Burundi, and Gambia have also recently announced plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.