Poland: Current time, news, and its relationship with Russia

ICC Registrar's Ukraine Visit: More Than Meets the Eye?

The International Criminal Court's (ICC) Registrar, Osvaldo Zavala Giler, recently concluded a trip to Poland and Ukraine (October 27 to November 1, 2025). The stated purpose: reinforcing cooperation and ensuring operational continuity in the Ukraine situation. But what do these diplomatic niceties really tell us?

Poland: Gratitude and Guardrails

The visit to Poland seems straightforward enough. A thank you to Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek for Poland's support. We're told discussions centered on "maintaining strong cooperation...upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding judicial independence." Sounds good, right? But let's dig a little deeper. Why the emphasis on "safeguarding judicial independence in the face of external pressures?" What pressures are we talking about here? Is there any data available on the specific threats or challenges faced by Poland's judiciary in relation to its ICC cooperation? Details remain scarce, but the very mention of "external pressures" suggests a level of geopolitical tension that press releases tend to gloss over.

Ukraine: Sustainability and Staff Morale

The Ukraine leg of the trip focused on "sustainability and operational continuity," including the ICC's Country Office in Kyiv. Meetings with Ukrainian officials like Oleksandr Karasevych (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Lyudmila Petrivna Sugak (Deputy Minister of Justice) reaffirmed the ICC's commitment. The registrar also met with Rolf Holmboe, Head of the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) to Ukraine (a meeting that, I suspect, was more about securing continued funding and logistical support than exchanging pleasantries).

But the most telling part of the report is the visit to the ICC Country Office. The Registrar commended the staff's "professionalism, dedication, and resilience in carrying out essential tasks under demanding circumstances." He expressed "deep appreciation for their contribution...despite the complex security and operational environment." Translation: these people are working under immense stress, likely with limited resources, and are probably burning out.

And this is the part of the report that I find genuinely puzzling. The ICC's investigation in Ukraine is arguably the most high-profile and politically sensitive case in the court's history. Yet, the language used suggests a struggle to maintain even basic operational capacity. How well-equipped, really, is the ICC to handle a case of this magnitude? Are they staffed adequately? What is the turnover rate at the Kyiv office? And, crucially, what impact does this pressure cooker environment have on the quality and impartiality of the investigation itself?

The visit to the Kyiv office, while framed as a morale booster, could also be interpreted as a damage control exercise. Are they trying to prevent a mass exodus of experienced personnel?

The EU Angle: More Than Just Advice?

The meeting with Rolf Holmboe from the EUAM raises another question. The EU is providing "continued support" to the ICC's mandate. But what kind of support? Financial? Logistical? Intelligence? The line between "advisory mission" and active involvement can be blurry (especially in a conflict zone). And to what extent is the ICC's work being influenced (or even directed) by the EU's political agenda in Ukraine? I'm not suggesting anything nefarious, but it's crucial to acknowledge the potential for bias when external actors are providing substantial support.

A Veneer of Calm, Cracks Underneath

The official report paints a picture of smooth cooperation and unwavering commitment. But a closer look reveals potential cracks in the foundation. The emphasis on external pressures, operational sustainability, and staff resilience suggests a court struggling to maintain its footing in a highly charged environment. The visit to Poland and Ukraine, while presented as a success, may have been more about shoring up support and preventing a crisis than celebrating a victory.