Ex-presidents

International Criminal Court May Investigate Kim Jong Un Over Ukraine Conflict

Strategic Insights

May 19, 2025 — 1 min read

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un could be investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for supporting Russia's war against Ukraine, according to a statement by Song Sang-hyun, former president of the ICC. Song stated that Ukraine, as the victim, can file a complaint against North Korea with the ICC, or the ICC can initiate an independent investigation. This comes after North Korea confirmed in late April that it had sent soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Despite human rights violations, the ICC has not indicted Kim, but now there are sufficient grounds for Ukraine to initiate a case against him for assisting Russia in waging the war.

Key Takeaways:

Song Sang-hyun, former president of the ICC, stated on May 19 that there is an opportunity for Ukraine to file a complaint against North Korea with the ICC.
North Korea confirmed in late April that it had sent around 11,000 troops to aid Russia in the war against Ukraine.
The ICC has not indicted Kim Jong Un despite numerous human rights violations by North Korea, but now there are sufficient legal grounds for Ukraine to initiate a case against him.
Song urged the ICC to respond more actively to war crimes committed by the North Korean leadership and their allies.
North Korea has provided military assistance, including troops, ballistic missiles, and other supplies, to Russia in its war against Ukraine.
More than a third of North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed or injured in combat.

Statistics:

11,000: The estimated number of North Korean troops sent to aid Russia in the war against Ukraine.
30%: The reported proportion of North Korean soldiers killed or injured in combat.
2024: The year in which North Korea first dispatched troops to aid Russia in the fall.
Multiple: The number of ballistic missiles provided by North Korea to Russia.

*oscope: The range of other supplies provided by North Korea to Russia in aid of the war against Ukraine.

Sources:

Yonhap (May 19, no year specified)
(no date or source specified)

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