Russia-Ukraine conflict: has international law failed?

After delineating the genesis of the catastrophe transpiring in Ukraine, ATUL ALEXANDER succinctly argues that the failure of international law to restrict Russia is because of its structural shortcomings.

———–

THE ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine has captured the spotlight in the past weeks, with condemnation pouring from all corners. However, Russia seems unfettered and is going on a rampage, capturing the major cities of Ukraine. International organisations and States have registered their outcry. For instance, the United Nations Secretary-General's [UNSG] statement reflected the gravity of the crisis: the UNSG termed the whole crisis as a '…moment of peril'.

Nevertheless, attempts to halt Russia's unabated attack appear futile. The unilateral sanctions of the US and its western allies targeting Russia have made very little inroads in terms of deterring Russia's attitude. The United Nations [UN] Security Council failed to pass an effective resolution courtesy the Russian veto. States are moreover reluctant to pre-empt any measures as the Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that "anyone who would consider interfering from the outside – if you do, you will face the consequences greater than any you have faced in history".