Russian narrative is using the language of jus ad bellum and the UN Charter to justify its invasion of Ukraine. This paper outlines the international legal framework and suggests policy recommendations for EU policymakers.
Year: 2022
Author: Majed Dib, The Hague University of Applied Sciences
ISSN: 2736-5816
DOI: 10.53121/ELFPP17
On 24 February 2022, President Putin announced the beginning of a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. This blatant act of aggression shocked the international community, with many states condemning Russia’s violation of its binding obligations under the UN Charter and the international framework of jus ad bellum. In response, the Russian narrative advances a number of claims using the language of jus ad bellum and the UN Charter to justify its invasion of Ukraine. As this paper aims to show, these claims are not only demonstrably baseless, but also set a dangerous precedent to which Europe must decisively respond. In doing so, the paper provides an analysis of the relevant international legal framework and suggests policy recommendations for EU policymakers.