At the International Criminal Court's annual meeting, President Tomoko Akane emphasized the court's commitment to independence despite facing pressure from the U.S. and Russia. Nine staff members, including six judges and the chief prosecutor, have been sanctioned by U.S. President Donald Trump for pursuing investigations into U.S. and Israeli officials. Concurrently, Russia has issued warrants for ICC staff in response to an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin. The ICC is currently managing various investigations, including war crimes related to Israel's military actions in Gaza. The court, established in 2002, serves as a last resort for prosecuting serious crimes when national jurisdictions fail. However, it lacks enforcement capabilities and depends on member states to execute arrest warrants. Additionally, the chief prosecutor is temporarily stepping down amid an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, which has drawn frustration from member states due to its prolonged duration.