The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday ordered Russia to cease military actions in Ukraine immediately, in a preliminary decision in a case brought by Kyiv.
"The Russian Federation shall immediately suspend the military operations that it commenced on Feb 24, 2022 on the territory of Ukraine," judges at the United Nations' highest court said in a 13-2 decision.
Ukraine filed its case shortly after Russia's invasion began on Feb. 24, saying that Russia's apparent justification, that it was acting to prevent a genocide in Eastern Ukraine, was unfounded. Russia said it skipped World Court hearings on March 7"in light of the apparent absurdity of the lawsuit". But Presiding judge Joan Donoghue said the court had enough information that the two countries do disagree about the interpretation of the Genocide Convention to make the preliminary decision. Actual jurisdiction would only be decided later.
In a rare trip into a conflict zone by a top international prosecutor, Karim Khan said he had met with Ukraine's foreign minister and prosecutor general during a short visit before visiting Poland.The ICC started a formal investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine after Russia invaded its smaller neighbour on Feb. 24.Khan said the ICC would investigate all sides in the conflict.
Neither Russia nor Ukraine is a member of the ICC and Moscow does not recognise the tribunal. But Ukraine has given it its approval to examine alleged atrocities on its territory dating back to Russia's annexation of the Crimea in 2014.Hundreds of civilians have been killed and more than three million people have been displaced in the past three weeks during what Moscow calls its"special military operation" in Ukraine.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Yes, I studied in Russia' - MPs heckle during debate on Russia war in UkraineMPs disagreed on South Africa's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while the ANC and EFF said Russia's support in the fight against apartheid should not be forgotten.
Read more »
UKRAINE UPDATES | Trump's track record shows support for Russia, not UkraineUkraine updates.
Read more »
Ukraine crisis: Russia and Ukraine both play up compromise as peace talks set to resumeKYIV/LVIV, Ukraine, March 16 (Reuters) - Russia and Ukraine both emphasised new-found scope for compromise on Wednesday as peace talks were set to resume three weeks into a Russian assault that has so far failed to topple the Ukrainian government.
Read more »
International Court of Justice orders Russia to suspend Ukraine invasionInternational Court of Justice orders Russia to suspend Ukraine invasion - Ukraine has asked the court to take provisional measures ordering Russia to suspend the invasion
Read more »
World court orders Russia to cease military operations in UkraineThe International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday ordered Russia to cease military actions in Ukraine immediately, in a preliminary decision in a case brought by Kyiv.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine war: UN chief warns of global food system 'meltdown'The secretary-general told reporters in New York that the war risks sparking far-reaching consequences for the global food supply that will have a devastating impact on the poorest.
Read more »