Russia must immediately suspend military operations in Ukraine, the UN ICJ (International Court of Justice) ruled, marking the first verdict handed down by the world court since Moscow started its invasion of Kyiv on 24th February.
By a vote of 13 to two, with Vice-President Kirill Gevorgian of Russia and Judge Xue Hanqin of China dissenting, the ICJ ruled that Russia shall suspend the military operations immediately.
Of the 13 votes in favor, one was cast by India ICJ Judge Dalveer Bhandari. Wednesday’s judgment came in response to a suit filed by Ukraine on 27th February, accusing Russia of military aggression.
The ICJ asked Russia to immediately suspend its attacks and cease all military operations as they were based on Moscow’s stated purpose of preventing Ukraine from committing genocide.
The Court also noted that Russia had decided not to participate in oral proceedings.
In delivering the ruling, President of the Court Joan Donoghue outlined that the necessary conditions were met to give the ICJ to indicate provisional measures.
The ICJ President said, “Indeed, any military operation, in particular one on the scale carried out by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine, inevitably causes loss of life, bodily harm, and damage to property and environment”.
The Judges were unanimous in their order that both parties refrain from any action that might extend the dispute or .make it more difficult to resolve.
