Russia submits objections to Ukraine genocide case before International Court of Justice

Russia has submitted preliminary objections to a genocide case against Moscow filed by Ukraine, International Court of Justice (ICJ) said on Thursday, October 6. Taking to its official Twitter handle, International Court of Justice (ICJ) confirmed that it h received preliminary objections from Russia regarding case related to allegations of genocide on October 3. However, ICJ has not revealed details of objections filed by Russia. 

International Court of Justice tweeted, "On 3 October 2022, Russian Federation submitted preliminary objections in case concerning Allegations of Genocide under Convention on Prevention and Punishment of Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russia) before ICJ." In next step in lawsuit, International Court of Justice will have a hearing on objections. So far, no date has been set for court hearing. Notably, Ukraine h filed a lawsuit against Russia in International Court of Justice shortly after Moscow began its offensive in Kyiv. In case filed in court, Ukraine said that Russia's justification for military attack on Kyiv was unfounded.

Russia h claimed that it h launched a military offensive against Kyiv to stop genocide in eastern part of Ukraine. More than 40 European Union nations have supported Ukraine's application against Russia before International Court of Justice. application filed by Ukraine calls for establishing that Russia has no "lawful basis" to launch an offensive in Ukraine, according to press release issued by ICJ. In case, Ukraine claimed that Russia has "falsely claimed" that acts of genocide have taken place in Luhansk and Donetsk. Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia of planning "acts of genocide in Ukraine."

Russia did not attend ICJ hearings 

Earlier in March, Russia in a letter to United Nations said that International Court of Justice did not have jurisdiction as genocide convention does not call for using forces between states, Guardian reported. Previously, Russia did not even attend hearings of International Court of Justice and did not file documents in court. decision of Russia to file objections comes at a time when its war with Ukraine continues for more than 200 days. In September, Russian President Vlimir Putin announced annexation of four Ukrainian regions that were occupied by Moscow. 

Image: AP