For justification of war

UN court opens proceedings against Russia

Staff of the International Court of Justice in The Hague(Bild: AP)

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has largely admitted a lawsuit brought by Ukraine against Russia. The case concerns the Kremlin's justification for the invasion of the neighboring country almost two years ago. It was argued that millions of people in the east had to be protected from genocide.

The Ukrainian side rejected this and sued Russia shortly after the start of the war. The Russian government was said to be abusing the Genocide Convention. In addition, a declaration by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was demanded that Ukraine had not committed or planned any genocide. The opponent of the war again requested that the case be dismissed in its entirety.

The UN court rejected this. However, it does not consider itself authorized to decide whether Russia has abused the convention, as this case is not covered. The World Court is supposed to resolve conflicts between states.

On Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) largely admitted a lawsuit brought by Ukraine against Russia.(Bild: AP)

Many supporters for Ukraine
It is not yet clear when the main proceedings will begin. Ukraine is supported by 32 Western allies before the highest court of the United Nations. However, proceedings before the court can drag on for years. In addition, the ICJ has no means of enforcing the binding decisions.

It was only on Wednesday that the same court dismissed most of the points in another case brought by Ukraine against Russia in 2017. Russia was acquitted of charges of financing terrorism in eastern Ukraine (see video above).