The UK and 37 other countries, including Georgia, have referred to the International Criminal Court over the alleged war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.

The UK government described the referral as the largest in the history of the court.

“The UK has led efforts to bring together allies today to expedite an ICC investigation into Russian war crimes in Ukraine, through state party referral. With 37 countries joining the UK, it is the largest referral in the history of the ICC”, the UK government said in a statement.

“Tonight 38 countries from across the world have made the largest ever referral to the International Criminal Court for Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine. We are crystal clear that Putin cannot commit these horrific acts with impunity”, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted.

The International Criminal Court can now launch an investigation. The following countries have joined the UK’s initiative: Georgia, Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Tonight 38 countries from across the world have made the largest ever referral to the International Criminal Court for Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine.

We are crystal clear that Putin cannot commit these horrific acts with impunity.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 2, 2022