Legal Developments in Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

On March 16, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) granted Ukraine's request for provisional measures and ordered Russia to immediately suspend military operations in Russia. Despite Ukraine's emphasis regarding the urgency of the situation, the ICJ set the schedule for pleadings over the next year with Ukraine's Memorial due in September 2022 and Russia's Counter-Memorial due in March 2023. 

Will the Court's order make any practical difference? It can help to further mobilize the international community against Russia's invasion of Ukraine and bolster international criminal proceedings against President Putin and others who may be responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine.

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened a criminal investigation and has called on the international community to assist in the collection of evidence of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. Several states have offered financial and legal assistance. The ICC Prosecutor has pledged that President Putin will not act with impunity. 

(cgb)