The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations' top court, is set to deliver a final ruling on Wednesday regarding Ukraine's allegations against Russia. The case, filed in 2017, asserts that Russia provided financial support to separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine and has engaged in discriminatory practices against Crimea's multiethnic community since its annexation of the peninsula. This ruling is the first of two expected decisions from the ICJ concerning the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Ukraine's lawsuit accuses Russia of breaching international conventions against discrimination and the financing of terrorism. The country seeks reparations from Moscow for various attacks and crimes committed in eastern Ukraine, including the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17. The plane was shot down on July 17, 2014, resulting in the tragic deaths of all 298 passengers and crew members. While Russia denies any involvement in the incident, a Dutch domestic court found two Russians and a pro-Moscow Ukrainian guilty in absentia and sentenced them to life imprisonment. Both the Netherlands and Ukraine have also filed a lawsuit against Russia at the European Court of Human Rights over the MH17 tragedy.
During the hearings held last year, Ukraine's legal representatives argued that pro-Russia forces in eastern Ukraine had deliberately targeted and attacked civilians as part of a campaign of intimidation and terror, with Russian money and weapons fueling these actions. In the case of Crimea, Ukraine alleges that Russia aimed to replace the previously diverse multiethnic community with discriminatory Russian nationalism.
On the other hand, Russia's legal team has urged the ICJ to dismiss Ukraine's case, contending that the actions of the pro-Moscow rebels do not meet the criteria for terrorism.
In addition to this ruling, the ICJ is also expected to deliver its decision on Friday regarding Russia's objections to the court's jurisdiction in another case initiated by Ukraine shortly after the Russian invasion in February 2022. This lawsuit accuses Moscow of launching the attack based on fabricated allegations of genocide. The court has already issued an interim order instructing Russia to cease its invasion, which Moscow has chosen to ignore.
In recent weeks, the ICJ has been involved in another notable case, with South Africa accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Last week, judges issued provisional measures urging Israel to take all necessary steps to prevent death, destruction, and any acts of genocide during the conflict.
These rulings from the ICJ hold significant importance for both Ukraine and Russia, as they will determine legal responsibilities, reparations, and potential consequences for the ongoing conflict. The decisions will also have implications on the international stage, as they involve violations of international law and the protection of human rights during times of armed conflict.
