The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Russia to stop Ukraine invasion and cease military actions. The IJC further said it was “profoundly concerned” by Moscow’s use of force.
“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 on Wednesday.
The judges added that Russia must also ensure that other forces under its control or supported by Moscow should not continue the military operation.
Although the court’s rulings are binding, it has no direct means of enforcing them and in rare cases countries have ignored them in the past.
Countries that refuse to abide by court orders can be referred to the UN Security Council, where Russia holds veto power.
Still, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed it as a major victory.
“Ukraine gained a complete victory in its case against Russia at the International Court of Justice,” he wrote on Twitter. “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.”
