The International Legal Framework with regards to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Abstract

The Russia-Ukraine War highlights the collision of realpolitik with international law, illustrating the unavoidable conflicts that develop when international law meets defiance. This article deals with the conflict's complex legal landscape, finding contradicting results in the fields of collective security and international judicial procedure. While collective security has been ineffective in addressing the jus ad bellum parts of the war, Ukraine has demonstrated great effectiveness in its legal counterattacks against Russia, demonstrating its potential for international judicial advocacy. Despite occasional obstacles, the article argues that the enduring Westphalian values of sovereign equality, border inviolability, territorial integrity, political independence, and autonomy are the cornerstones of the international system. These principles, which are incorporated in the United Nations Charter, have legal relevance for all member nations. The Russia-Ukraine War vividly illustrates Russia's flagrant breach of these fundamental norms, prompting a critical study of the relationship between realpolitik and international law. Despite occasional challenges, this research asserts that the enduring principles of Westphalian sovereignty, border integrity, territorial inviolability, political independence, and autonomy remain fundamental to the international system. These core principles, enshrined in the United Nations Charter, hold legal significance for all member states. The Russia-Ukraine War serves as a stark reminder of Russia's blatant violations of these foundational norms, prompting a crucial examination of the intricate interplay between realpolitik and international law, with broader implications for the global order and future conflicts.