Top UN court orders Russia to immediately cease hostilities in Ukraine

The United Nations’ highest court on Wednesday ordered Russia to immediately cease hostilities in Ukraine, the first such ruling by an international court since Russia first invaded its southern neighbor.

In a 13-2 decision, the court ruled that “The Russian Federation shall immediately suspend the military operations that it commenced on Feb 24, 2022 on the territory of Ukraine," DW reported. 

"The Court is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy that is taking place in Ukraine...The Court is profoundly concerned about the use of force by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, which raises very serious issues of international law," presiding judge Joan Donoghue wrote in the ruling.

Ukraine first asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to intervene two weeks ago, arguing that Moscow violated the 1948 Genocide Convention by falsely accusing Ukraine of committing genocide as a pretext for the launch of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “special military operation.”

Although ICJ rulings are considered binding, analysts do not believe the Kremlin will comply. Russia skipped the hearings “in light of the apparent absurdity of the lawsuit” and subsequently filed motion arguing that the court should not impose any measures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy took to Twitter on Wednesday to welcome the court’s ruling on emergency measures as "a complete victory" in his country’s case against Russia.

"The (ICJ) order is binding under international law. Russia must comply immediately. Ignoring the order will isolate Russia even further," Zelensky said on Twitter.

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

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 16, 2022