Violation of the UN Charter
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine constitutes a direct violation of Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The UN General Assembly Resolution ES-11/1 (2022) recognized the invasion as an act of aggression.
Violation of the Budapest Memorandum (1994)
The Budapest Memorandum guaranteed Ukraine’s sovereignty in exchange for giving up its nuclear arsenal. Russia’s annexation of Crimea (2014) and full-scale invasion (2022) represent a total breakdown of these security guarantees.
Violation of the Helsinki Final Act (1975)
Russia violated OSCE principles including sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and non-use of force. Its aggression has destabilized the European security order established after 1975.
Violation of Ukraine–Russia Bilateral Treaties
Russia breached the 1997 Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation, and Partnership and the agreements on the Black Sea Fleet. These acts eliminated the legal basis for peaceful coexistence between the two states.
Crime of Aggression under the Rome Statute
Article 8 bis of the Rome Statute defines the crime of aggression as the planning, preparation, initiation or execution of an act of aggression by a state leader. Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine meets all elements of this definition.
Violations of the Geneva Conventions & International Humanitarian Law
Russia’s conduct in Ukraine violates core provisions of the Geneva Conventions, including protections of civilians, POWs, and humanitarian personnel. Documented violations include torture, executions, attacks on civilians, and deportation of children.
Misuse of the Genocide Convention
Russia attempted to justify its invasion by falsely alleging “genocide” in eastern Ukraine. The Genocide Convention contains no provision permitting military intervention, and the ICJ ordered Russia to cease hostilities.
Violations of the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
Russia violated CERD through discriminatory policies and practices in occupied territories, including suppression of Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar identity. The ICJ is examining these violations as part of Ukraine’s case.
Violations of the ICSFT (Financing of Terrorism Convention)
Ukraine alleges that Russia has financed illegal armed groups in Donbas since 2014, violating its obligations under the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (ICSFT). The ICJ accepted jurisdiction over this dispute.
Violations of the 1954 Hague Convention on Cultural Property
Russia has destroyed or seized thousands of cultural sites, museums, archives, and religious objects in occupied territories. These actions violate the 1954 Hague Convention and constitute war crimes under customary law.