The European Solidarity Party supports the ratification of the Rome Statute by the Verkhovna Rada, but insists that this should be done when martial law is lifted.

"The first priority for the state during a full-scale war is the protection and motivation of the military. Therefore, we consider the provision in the government document that the ratification of the Rome Statute should take place after the end of martial law to be extremely important. The European Solidarity considers today's ratification to be a mistake without a thorough examination of the consequences that this decision may entail," the party's press service said in a statement.

The European Solidarity also recalled that despite the fact that ratification of the Rome Statute is one of the obligations assumed by Ukraine under the Association Agreement, the agreement does not provide for clear deadlines for ratification.

"Ukrainian soldiers deserve honest protection and explanation, and the European Solidarity listens to the opinion of the army. Therefore, we proposed ratifying the Statute after the end of martial law. It should be noted that the Association Agreement does not contain clear deadlines for ratification," the party said, adding that ratification of the Rome Statute will create opportunities for abuse by Russia and its overt and covert allies, who will fabricate numerous fake cases against the Ukrainian military leadership.

"The Russian regime has big money, long arms, and an extensive network of agents. The aggressor country has the technology to fabricate cases, influence public opinion, and then indirectly influence court decisions. We are convinced that the supply, financing, combat capability, and protection of our defense forces are the key measure for any decision by all government bodies during a war," the statement says.

The European Solidarity also noted that the authorities should not take steps aimed at demotivating the military.

"Even fears that Ukrainian military personnel may be extradited at the request of the International Criminal Court demotivate our defenders. Hasty, ill-considered steps expose those who risk their lives for Ukraine every day to additional danger," the party said.

Ratification of the Rome Statute, emphasizes the European Solidarity, required a broad public discussion and a communications campaign, which the authorities failed. Many military personnel noted that such a decision during active hostilities was hasty, drawing analogies with the United States and Israel, which have not yet ratified the Rome Statute.

"Based on the interests of Ukrainian servicemen, protecting our defenders from ill-considered actions of politicians, we called for postponing the ratification of this document until the end of martial law, including the Croatian, Israeli and American experience," the party said.

After the adoption of the law on ratification of the Statute on Wednesday by the Verkhovna Rada, the law must be signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.