The Ukrainian representative, Anton Korynevych, told the International Court of Justice that Kyiv intends to demonstrate that Moscow violated two international treaties aimed at curbing the financing of terrorism and eradicating all forms of racial discrimination. The arguments are part of a lawsuit Ukraine filed in 2017 against the Russian Federation. TASS.
During the hearings, Ukraine plans to outline Russia’s obligations under the Convention on the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and to show how Moscow has failed to uphold this treaty in practice. This will include evidence about financial networks, state support, and the flow of resources that have sustained conflict operations, according to Kiev’s presentation. A documented emphasis will be placed on how those obligations were not met, with specific references to acts linked to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. (attribution)
Kyiv contends that the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics are engaged in terrorist activities funded and equipped with Russian support. This framework, Ukraine asserts, was exemplified by the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 and has been used to strike civilian targets, causing widespread harm and displacement. (citation)
Kiev also intends to advance the argument that Moscow violated the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Ukrainian authorities claim that Russia systematically breached the rights of Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars residing in Crimea, highlighting patterns of discrimination in policy and practice that affected daily life, culture, language, and political participation. (citation)
Korynevych maintains that Russia cannot sidestep its duties under the convention by invoking anti-extremism or national security justifications. The approach, he argues, must be judged against clear treaty standards and documented state actions rather than broad security narratives. (citation)
In May, the International Court of Justice in The Hague announced hearings would be held from June 6 to June 14 as part of Ukraine’s 2017 case against Russia, focusing on alleged terrorist financing in Donbass and discrimination in Crimea. The proceedings are expected to scrutinize the concrete measures and the international legal obligations in play, with witnesses and experts providing detailed accounts. (citation)
Ukraine filed its case in January 2017, asserting that Russia’s conduct in Donbass violated the International Convention on the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in relation to Crimea. The filing spans several claims and seeks a ruling on responsibility and restitution where applicable. (citation)
Russian officials have countered by pointing to their own narrative, arguing that the Ukrainian military and nationalist units have shelled peaceful towns in Donbass since 2014, framing the conflict within a broader security and defense discourse. (citation)
On May 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the proposal to establish an international court mechanism to address actions by Russia. He described meetings with international legal authorities during his visit to The Hague, underscoring ongoing efforts to pursue accountability on the global stage. (citation)