THE HAGUE, Netherlands (The Adobo Chronicles, Berlin Bureau) – Confusion and denial has marked the recent announcement by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Russian President Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes related to the Ukraine conflict.

Almost immediately, the ICC denied that it has issued such a warrant of arrest. The denial came from the International Cricket Council, the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Code Council and the International Convention Center Durban.

So far, no denial from the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

MOSCOW, Russia (The Adobo Chronicles, Singapore Bureau) – Just hours after news that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against Vladimir Putin, the Russian President sent a congratulatory message to former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte!

“Congratulations, my friend. We’re now on the same boat,” Putin told Duterte who is being investigated by ICC for alleged crimes against humanity for his war on drugs while being president. (Putin is being charged for alleged war crimes in connection with the Ukraine conflict.)

“Welcome to the club,” Duterte replied is a text message to the Kremlin.

Both Russia and the Philippines are not part of the Rome Statute which established the ICCC. Russia is not a signatory of the Statute while the Philippines withdrew its membership in 2019.

It wasn’t clear how the arrest warrant for Putin will be enforced, as that of Duterte if a similar order is issued by ICC. ICC members are not welcome in both countries and may even face arrest if they violate the countries’ immigration laws.