Russian aggression against Ukraine: geopolitical ambitions, war crimes and the Kremlin’s responsibility

Abstract

The Russian aggression against Ukraine represents an unprecedented challenge to global security and international law. Rooted in Moscow’s geopolitical ambitions, the desire to restore imperial influence was realized during the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, and justified with claims of «demilitarization and denazification.» However, it is a blatant act of aggression, violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and threatening the international order.
From the onset, Russian forces committed mass war crimes, including deliberate attacks on civilians, forced deportations, torture, and targeted destruction of cultural heritage. Over 143,000 war crimes have been documented, including the massacres in Bucha, Mariupol, and Izium. These acts align with the definitions of genocide outlined in the 1948 UN Convention.
Despite early predictions of Ukraine’s rapid defeat, its armed forces and citizens demonstrated exceptional resilience, repelling Russia’s advance and liberating occupied territories. The so-called «second strongest army in the world» suffered devastating losses, disproving Kremlin propaganda and strengthening international support for Ukraine.
The war has exposed the inefficiency of global institutions in preventing aggression, necessitating new legal mechanisms for accountability. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating Russia’s war crimes, but its jurisdiction does not cover crimes of aggression. To ensure justice, Ukraine has called for the establishment of a Special Tribunal to prosecute Russia’s top political and military leadership, a move supported by numerous states and international organizations.
The world’s response to Russian aggression will define future global stability. Holding the Kremlin accountable is essential for restoring justice and deterring future crimes. Ukraine’s resistance has become a symbol of the fight for democracy, sovereignty, and international law, underscoring the urgency of decisive international action.