ICJ Orders Russia to Halt Military Operations in Ukraine

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Russia to stop military operations in Ukraine. India’s judge at the ICJ Justice Dalveer Bhandari also voted against Russia. 

It was a 13-2 decision which means that 13 voters were in favour of the direction while 2 were not. Two judges who were against the direction were Vice-President Kirill Gevorgian (Russia) and Judge Sue Hanqin (China).

The nomination of Justice Bhandari was done on the support of the government and various missions over a period of time. 

“The court is profoundly concerned about the use of force by the Russian Federation which raises very serious issues in international law,” pending the final decision in the case, presiding judge Joan Donoghue said at the hearing held at the court's headquarters at the Peace Palace building. 

“The Russian Federation shall immediately suspend the military operations that it commenced on Feb 24, 2022 on the territory of Ukraine,” the ICJ judges said. 

Bhandari’s move against Russia is independent and has nothing to do with India’s stance on the Ukraine Russia conflict. 

India has always abstained from voting on the Ukraine-Russian conflict and has paid emphasis on resolving the issue with dialogue. 

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday welcomed the ruling by the ICJ. 

 

“Ukraine gained a complete victory in its case against Russia at the International Court of Justice. The ICJ ordered to immediately stop the invasion. The order is binding under international law. Russia must comply immediately. Ignoring the order will isolate Russia even further,” Zelensky wrote on Twitter.