"Violation of international humanitarian law vis-à-vis the dispute

between Ukraine and Russia”

INTRODUCTION-
Ukraine and Russia have been at odds since 2014, with hostilities raging in eastern Ukraine,
resulting in a humanitarian disaster. The crisis began when Ukraine's government was deposed
and Russia annexed Crimea, a traditionally Ukrainian area. The international world viewed the
annexation as a violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity, and numerous countries sanctioned
Russia. Since then, combat has erupted in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian government forces
and pro-Russian separatists. This violence has resulted in the displacement of thousands of
people and a humanitarian disaster in the region.

International Humanitarian Law-

International humanitarian law (IHL) is a system of principles meant to reduce the effects of
armed conflict by safeguarding individuals who are not or are no longer involved in the war. It is
founded on the concept that certain basic human rights must be upheld even in the midst of
armed conflict. IHL is principally governed by the four 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977
Additional Protocols. IHL principles include distinguishing between combatants and civilians,
prohibiting attacks on civilians and civilian objects, and requiring prisoners of war to be treated
humanely. IHL also governs the means and methods of conflict, forbidding the use of weapons
that are likely to inflict needless pain or harm on civilians. IHL principles include distinguishing
between combatants and civilians, prohibiting attacks on civilians and civilian objects, and
demanding prisoners of war to be treated humanely. IHL also governs the means and methods of
conflict, making it illegal to use weapons that are likely to inflict unnecessary suffering or harm
to civilians. States are responsible for ensuring IHL compliance and holding those who violate it
accountable for their conduct.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in numerous violations
of IHL. The following are some of the most significant violations:
1. Civilians are being targeted- The targeting of people has been one of the most serious
violations of international humanitarian law in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Both sides have been
accused of purposefully targeting civilian targets such as residential districts, schools, and
hospitals. This has resulted in countless civilian casualties and massive civilian relocation.
In February 2015, for example, separatists were accused of bombarding a hospital in the
government-controlled city of Debaltseve, killing at least 16 civilians. Similarly, the Ukrainian
military was accused in January 2015 of shelling a bus in the separatist-held city of Donetsk,
killing at least 13 civilians.
2. Prohibited Weapons- Another violation of international humanitarian law in this battle has
been the use of forbidden weapons. Both sides have been accused of employing cluster
munitions, which are illegal under the Cluster Munitions Convention. The use of these weapons
has led to civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and
schools.
In February 2015, for example, separatists were accused of bombarding a hospital in the
government-controlled city of Debaltseve, killing at least 16 civilians. Similarly, the Ukrainian
military was accused in January 2015 of shelling a bus in the separatist-held city of Donetsk,
killing at least 13 civilians.
3.Prisoner of War Mistreatment- In this conflict, mistreatment of prisoners of war is likewise a
serious breach of international humanitarian law. Both sides have been accused of mistreating
prisoners of war, including torturing and other brutal treatment. In addition, there have been
complaints of detainees being denied medical attention and being confined in harsh conditions.
The case of Nadiya Savchenko, a Ukrainian pilot who was exposed to physical and
psychological torture, is one example. Prisoner of war mistreatment emphasizes the significance
of adhering to international humanitarian law and treating detainees properly.
4.International Reaction- The international community has reacted in a variety of ways to these
violations of international humanitarian law. The United Nations has criticized the use of
forbidden weapons and the targeting of civilians and has called for an end to the fighting. The
Red Cross International has been assisting those affected by the violence, including prisoners of
war and displaced civilians.
5. Restrictions on humanitarian help - The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted
in humanitarian aid restrictions. Both sides have imposed limits on humanitarian aid distribution,
preventing aid organizations from reaching those in need. This is a violation of international
humanitarian law, which requires parties to permit and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid
to those in need.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has hampered humanitarian aid distribution,
particularly in non-government-controlled territories of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine.
Both sides have imposed limits on aid delivery, preventing humanitarian organizations from
reaching individuals in need. This is an obvious violation of IHL, which requires parties to
enable and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to people in need, without politicizing it or
using it as a weapon of war. These restrictions have had a significant impact on the civilian
population, with many people in desperate need of food, water, and medical care.

Conclusion:
Significant violations of international humanitarian law have occurred as a result of the Ukraine-
Russia conflict, including attacks on civilians, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the use
of prohibited weapons. Both sides have been accused of perpetrating these infractions, and there
have been calls for those responsible to be held accountable. To avoid similar abuses from
occurring in future wars, the international community must continue to monitor the situation in
Ukraine and hold those responsible for violations of IHL accountable. Furthermore, efforts
should be undertaken to assist affected populations and improve access to key services such as
healthcare, education, and safe drinking water.
To avoid further violations of IHL in the conflict, both sides must prioritize civilian protection
and their rights under international law. This involves refraining from attacks on civilian
infrastructure such as hospitals and schools, as well as ensuring that all military actions follow
international law. Furthermore, both parties must take steps to investigate and hold individuals
responsible for violations of IHL, including attacks on civilians and the use of forbidden
weapons, accountable.
The international community must also play a vital role in guaranteeing IHL compliance in the
Ukraine-Russia war. This includes giving humanitarian aid to those affected by the war,
promoting accountability for violations of IHL, and attempting to end the conflict peacefully,
such as through diplomatic dialogue.
To summarize, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in multiple violations of
international humanitarian law, including attacks on civilians, destruction of civilian
infrastructure, and the use of forbidden weaponry. Both parties must take steps to safeguard
civilians and their rights under international law, and the international community must play an
active role in encouraging IHL compliance and punishment for violations. Finally, only
adherence to international law and the protection of civilians will result in a long-term and
durable peace in Ukraine.