What Ukraine's English-language law and ICC warrants meant by 29 June 2024
A look back at two developments from the final days of June 2024: a new language law in Kyiv and arrest warrants issued in The Hague.
What had changed in Ukraine's public life in the days leading up to 29 June 2024? Two developments stood out: one in domestic law, the other in international justice.
On 27 June 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law establishing English as an official language of international communication in Ukraine.
Two days earlier, on 25 June 2024, the International Criminal Court, in its investigation in Ukraine, issued arrest warrants for Valery Gerasimov, Russia's Chief of the General Staff, and Sergei Shoigu, the former defence minister.
Together, the two items marked the final days of the month: a legal step by Kyiv on how the country communicates internationally, and a judicial step by the court covering the conflict.
