The Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Obstacles to Accountability

Abstract

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has left much of the international community increasingly concerned about violations of international law and the strength of the international legal system's ability to end impunity. With such a young international legal system, having yet to reach its 100th birthday, precedents are still fresh and being set with each new case. Each investigation opened by the International Criminal Court (ICC) encounters new uncharted territory. Using legislation foundational to the modern international system, this article seeks to analyze and understand the unique impact of Russian aggression against Ukraine on the present-day system of international law. This evaluation provides a quasi-directive on how the international system can move forward in the fight against international impunity.