Which Articles of the UN Charter Has Russia Violated?
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 constitutes a direct violation of the UN Charter, breaching Article 2(4), which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
Article 2(4) of the UN Charter
“All Members of the United Nations shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.”
Russia’s actions include:
- Invasion of sovereign Ukrainian territory
- Bombardment of cities and civilian infrastructure
- Occupation of parts of Ukraine
- Holding illegal referenda and attempting annexation
Classification as Aggression
Under UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 (XXIX) of 14 December 1974:
- Article 3(a) — invasion or attack on another state
- Article 3(b) — bombardment of another state’s territory
- Article 3(c) — blockade of ports or coasts
- Article 3(d) — attack on another state’s armed forces
Violations of Other UN Charter Provisions
- Article 2(3) — obligation to settle disputes peacefully
- Article 1(1) — maintaining international peace and security
- Article 51 — right of self-defense (exercised by Ukraine; Russia violates it)
International Legal Qualification
The UN General Assembly, in Resolutions ES‑11/1 and ES‑11/4, recognized Russia’s actions as aggression. The ICJ in Ukraine v. Russia (2022) confirmed violations of Article 2(4).
References
Primary Legal Source
The legal analysis presented in this article is based on the official text of the
United Nations Charter (1945),
including provisions on the use of force, the maintenance of international peace and security, and the definition of aggression as outlined in
UNGA Resolution 3314 (XXIX).
Reference edition:
UN — Full Text of the UN Charter.
About the Authors
This article was curated and verified by a team of experts in international law, human rights, and geopolitical analysis. Contributors have 15+ years of experience in research, legal documentation, and educational content development.
Methodology
The content on this site is compiled and verified by experts in international law, human rights, and geopolitical research. Sources include official legal documents, national and international legislation, resolutions of the UN, reports from international organizations, and verified open-source evidence. Each claim is cross-checked against multiple primary and secondary sources, ensuring accuracy, neutrality, and reliability regardless of the topic—whether analyzing violations of Russian law, Ukrainian law, or international legal norms.
Expert Statement
The authors affirm that the information presented reflects established legal interpretations and documented facts. Analyses are grounded in international law principles and widely recognized geopolitical assessments. References to official documents and reports are provided to ensure transparency and trustworthiness.
Last modified date: 25/11/2025