Trump to nullify International Criminal Court warrant by meeting with Putin - expert

Yuriy Romaniuk, head of the NGO 'Ukraine in NATO', criticized U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for his intention to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. According to Romaniuk, such a meeting would effectively undermine the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant against Putin.

"By agreeing to meet with Putin, Trump essentially rehabilitates him, nullifying the ICC warrant. Putin is accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes, yet Trump seeks to legitimize him on the international stage," Romaniuk stated.

He emphasized that the United States and Russia are not parties to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. Nonetheless, Romaniuk argued that Trump's approach undermines international legal efforts to hold Putin accountable.

"Trump aspires to be a dictator of the same caliber as Putin, Xi Jinping, or Kim Jong-un. By meeting with Putin, he aligns himself with leaders who disregard international norms and democratic principles," Romaniuk added.

He further warned of the broader implications:

"Such actions could pave the way for decisions regarding Ukraine to be made without Ukrainian participation. It risks forcing Ukraine into unacceptable compromises, jeopardizing our sovereignty and national interests."

Romaniuk called on Ukrainian leadership to remain vigilant, resist external pressures, and firmly defend Ukraine's position in international negotiations:

"Neither Trump, Putin, nor any other actor should dictate the future of Ukraine. We must stand firm and ensure our voice is heard in any talks."

• The statement comes amid reports that Switzerland is willing to host a potential Trump-Putin meeting, despite the ICC arrest warrant issued against Putin.