The active phase of negotiations on a peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine has been ongoing for over half a year. During this time, Ukrainian civilians have endured one of the harshest winters since the beginning of the war.
While in global media, politicians are intensively discussing the so-called peace plan intended to end the war, Russia continues to launch massive combined attacks using drones and missiles against civilians, residential buildings, and critical infrastructure. Today, on 16 March, following yet another morning attack on Kyiv, civilian residents are once again experiencing power cuts, while debris from drones has been found near the Independence Monument, in the very heart of Ukraine’s capital.
“The UN Charter prohibits states from using force and infringing on the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of another country. This prohibition is peremptory (a norm known as “jus cogens” – a part of the system of rules which reflect and protect values fundamental for the international community). This means that no exception can justify the derogation from it under any circumstances” – stated Wayne Jordash KC, President of Global Rights Compliance.
Any agreements imposed on Ukraine under pressure and the terror of missiles and shelling cannot be lawful from the perspective of international law. This applies to territorial concessions, amnesties for crimes, and any other concessions Ukraine may be pressured into when peace terms are being drafted with one hand while missiles are being launched at the heads of the civilian population with the other.
For more on the legitimacy of peace agreements that may be concluded under pressure on Ukraine, read the op-ed by Wayne Jordash KC, for Ukrainska Pravda.
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