Could the Nova Kakhovka Dam Destruction Become the ICC’s First Environmental Crimes Case?

Jun 9, 2023 | Thomas Hansen
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Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is likely right when he labels the Nova Kakhovka Dam destruction the “largest man-made environmental disaster in Europe in decades.” Accountability for those responsible for the disaster is already being called for – and more voices will be added in the days ahead. If, as most now suspect, Russia is somehow behind the attack, many will look towards the International Criminal Court (ICC) to make that happen. But is the ICC Prosecutor likely to investigate the Nova Kakhovka Dam destruction, and if so, what are the conditions?