North Korea’s leader may face war crime probe for supporting Russia: Ex-ICC president

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may face a war crime investigation at the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) for supporting Russia in its war with Ukraine, a former ICC president said Monday.

Song Sang-hyun made the remarks at a conference in the South Korean capital Seoul after North Korea confirmed last month that it sent troops to Russia to support it in the Ukraine war, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Song noted that while Kim has not been referred to the ICC for human rights abuses in North Korea, the legal grounds now exist for Ukraine to pursue a case against him.

"The time is right to bring Kim Jong Un before the ICC," he said, adding that Pyongyang's military support to Russia provides Ukraine with the legal basis to file a complaint against North Korea.

"While a complaint filed by Ukraine would be very ideal, the ICC also has the authority to initiate an independent investigation," he added.

He also called on the ICC to take stronger action against war crimes by North Korea's leadership and allies.