But not completely
UN court accepts Kiev’s lawsuit against Russia
February 2, 2024, 5:18 p.m
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After the defeat during the week, Kiev finally achieved a victory at the International Court of Justice. The Hague allows the Ukrainian lawsuit against Russia and its war of aggression – but not every aspect.
In the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has largely allowed Kiev’s lawsuit against Russia and will now open main proceedings. The United Nations’ highest court in The Hague rejected most of Moscow’s objections to the proceedings.
The core of the lawsuit is about Russia’s justification for its attack on Ukraine almost two years ago. Moscow justified the invasion by saying that millions of people in eastern Ukraine needed to be protected from genocide.
Ukraine rejected the allegations and sued its neighboring country shortly after the Russian invasion. Kiev invoked the Genocide Convention and Moscow was abusing the convention, it was said. Kiev had also demanded a declaration from the court that Ukraine had not committed or planned any genocide.
The process can take years
Russia asked that the lawsuit be dismissed entirely. The court largely rejected this. However, the court does not believe it has the authority to decide whether Russia has abused the convention. This case is not covered by the Convention. The world court is intended to resolve conflicts between states.
Ukraine is supported in its actions at the UN court by 32 Western allies, including Germany. It is not yet known when the main proceedings will begin. Trials before the Court can drag on for years. Decisions of the International Court of Justice are binding – but it has no power to enforce them.
Just on Wednesday, the same court dismissed most of Ukraine’s lawsuit against Russia from 2017 and acquitted Russia of the charge of financing terrorism in eastern Ukraine.