He current Russia – Ukraine crisis has raised certain intrinsic questions as to the existence
and efficacy of International Laws and Organizations.
Vladimir Putin, the Russian Federation President, in his imperialistic speech declared a special
military operation in order to protect people who had been abused by Genocide for eight years
under the Kyiv regime and shall strive to demilitarize and de-nazify Ukraine and bring those to
justice who had committed crimes against the civilians of Russian Federation. Paradoxically,
Mr Putin has cited international law to defend his blatant illegal actions. But these justifications
are laughably weak, erroneous and absurd. The present crisis has posed a question as to the
existence and enforcement of international law if Russia can still use military force and invade
Ukraine.
Formation of the United Nations has created new order of International Relations, placing its
bedrock on the sovereignty and integrity of a nation. The member countries of the United
Nations are duty bound to not interfere with one another’s domestic and internal affairs, as
apart from violating the UN Charter, it leads to circumstances which threatens the peace and
security of a nation.
Russia – Ukraine Crisis: A call for amendments and amelioration of
International Law
By : Sara Suresh
Revisionist approach of Russia
Russia has always followed a statism approach towards international law principles which
holds that a state’s sovereignty and distinctiveness forms the basis of an international rule.
Russia views Ukraine as a country of limited sovereignty, or worse, an illegitimate country
which is rightfully and culturally Russia’s.
Historically, Russia has always reflected a hierarchy where its own national interests supersede
those of its neighbour’s. The antecedent actions of Russia such as invading Georgia in 2008,
annexing Crimea in 2014, recognising the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in
2008, stands as a testimony to this fact. Expounding International law with a focus on
humanitarian objectives at the expense of territorial integrity has debilitated the international
legal front as a whole. For instance, Russia has always invoked legal justifications and relied on
its rights to self-determination to justify its interventions and attacks.
The current situation poses imminent crisis which merits international response at due time,
otherwise, it would act as precedent for such similar future actions by Russia or any other
country. There is a dire need for a clear eyed, focused international law which is committed to
the strong principles of sovereignty and it shall also be inclusive to constrain arbitrary state
actions and promote international peace and security or