Moscow – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed a decree declaring that his country will not become a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Russian President Putin

In his decree, Putin ordered Russia’s Foreign Ministry to inform the UN of his decision.

Earlier this week, the court released a statement saying it was considering Russia and Ukraine to be involved in an armed conflict, with Crimea as occupied territory.

In 2000, Russia signed a treaty to establish the court, but the country did not ratify an agreement to join.