“During this timeframe, a large number of strikes against numerous electric power plants and sub-stations were carried out by the Russian armed forces in multiple locations in Ukraine.

“The expected incidental civilian harm and damage would have been clearly excessive to the anticipated military advantage,” the court added.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, said the fresh round of arrest warrants targeted “two key figures in Russian military leadership”.

“This decision is a clear indication that justice for Russian crimes against Ukrainians is inevitable. It clearly demonstrates that no military rank or cabinet door can shield Russian criminals from accountability,” he added.

Arrests ‘unlikely’

The future arrest of any Russian official with an outstanding ICC arrest warrant is considered highly unlikely. The tribunal has no police force of its own and relies on member states to make arrests.

This means that the decisions would only curb their ability to travel to countries that recognise the jurisdiction of the court, because it could end with them being detained and sent to The Hague for trial.

The court does not conduct trials in absentia.

Russia, which is not one of the 123 countries that are parties to the ICC under the Rome Statute, has said it doesn’t recognise the court’s decisions, and denies war crimes charges.

Dmytro Lubinets, one of Ukraine’s top war crimes investigators, said: “Sooner or later, a just punishment will overtake every war criminal.”

Andriy Yermak, president Zelensky’s chief of staff, said: “This is an important decision. Everyone will be held accountable for evil.”