International Court of Justice orders Russia to halt military actions in Ukraine

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The International Court of Justice today ordered Russia to halt military actions in Ukraine.

"The Russian Federation must immediately suspend the military operations it began on February 24, 2022, on the territory of Ukraine," stated the decision of the UN's highest court, which was supported by 13 judges, while two were against.

It also added that Russia must ensure that other forces under its control or supported by Moscow do not continue the military operation, reports Voice of America.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted after the court's ruling that Ukraine had achieved a complete victory over Russia before the International Court of Justice, that the ruling is binding, and that Russia must comply with it immediately.

"Ignoring the order will further isolate Russia," Zelensky said.

The rulings of the International Court of Justice are binding, but there are no direct ways to enforce them, and in some rare cases, some countries have ignored them.

Ukraine initiated proceedings before the court shortly after the start of the Russian invasion, stating that Russia's justification - that it took action to prevent genocide in eastern Ukraine - was unfounded.

Russia did not attend the court hearing on March 7 "due to the absurdity of the lawsuit." However, in a written document sent to the court, it stated that it should not impose any measures.