Impunity for International Law Violations in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Implications for Global Stability

Abstract

The protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine, initiated in 2014 and intensified by Russia's comprehensive military incursion in 2022, has elicited profound apprehensions regarding breaches of international legal standards. This article analyzes the ramifications of the conflict on global legal structures, with particular emphasis on violations of the United Nations Charter, the Rome Statute, and International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The examination underscores that the actions undertaken by Russia in Ukraine contravene essential tenets of international law, notably the ban on the use of force against the sovereignty of states and the imperative to safeguard civilians amidst armed conflict. The article contends that the military actions undertaken by Russia in its invasion constitute violations of the principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity as outlined in the UN Charter, contravene the definitions of war crimes and aggression established by the Rome Statute, and fail to adhere to the mandates for civilian protection set forth by International Humanitarian Law. This article examines the complexities associated with prosecuting these violations, highlighting the constraints faced by international institutions such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the UN Security Council. The analysis highlights the necessity of accountability in maintaining the integrity of international law and averting future transgressions, stressing the wider consequences for global stability and the rule of law.