Russia failed to investigate terrorism financing, ICJ rules
In a highly anticipated decision, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Russia partially violated two international treaties in its actions towards Ukraine.
Limited Breaches of Anti-Terrorism Treaty:
The court found Russia breached the UN Anti-Terrorism Treaty by failing to properly investigate "possible financing of terrorism" directed towards pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. This includes incidents related to the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, but the ICJ did not directly implicate Russia in the tragedy itself. Judge Joan Donoghue stated: "The Court did not find evidence sufficient to establish that the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics are terrorist organisations".
Rejection of Most Ukrainian Claims:
Despite this finding, the majority of Ukraine's claims were rejected. The ICJ dismissed accusations of direct Russian involvement in MH17's downing and other alleged violations of the Anti-Terrorism Treaty.
Partial Breach of Racial Discrimination Treaty:
The court, however, determined that Russia partially violated the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Judges found that Moscow failed to adequately protect the rights of ethnic Ukrainians in Crimea, evidenced by the significant decline in Ukrainian-language schools within the region since 2014.
No Compensation Awarded:
Notably, the ICJ dismissed Ukraine's requests for compensation.
Long Standing Dispute:
The legal battle between Ukraine and Russia began in 2017 with Kyiv's lawsuit against Moscow at the ICJ.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
