Russia must halt ongoing military operations in Ukraine, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) sitting at The Hague has ruled.

Voting by 13 to two, its justices ruled: ‘The Russian Federation shall immediately suspend the military operations that it commenced on 24 February 2022 in the territory of Ukraine.’

By the same majority the court ruled: ‘The Russian Federation shall ensure that any military or irregular armed units which may be directed or supported by it, as well as any organisations and persons which may be subject to its control or direction, take no steps in furtherance of the military operations.’

The court’s decisions are binding on states and cannot be appealed, but although the ICJ lacks its own enforcement mechanisms, the legality of subsequent courses of action may be determined with reference to its judgments. London firm Covington & Burling acted for Ukraine, which instigated proceedings on 27 February.

The Russian Federation, which views international courts as subordinate to its own, did not make representations to the ICJ in this case. The court met Ukraine’s request for a quick determination.

 

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