Russia’s continued defiance of international law

Context:

Despite a resolution adopted by 141 countries in United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Russia continues with its illegal military actions in Ukraine, violating international laws.

Illegal Annexation:

• Barefaced Violation of International Law: It includes the recent annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, the four regions that are an integral part of Ukraine.
• A referendum with no say: According to UNSC, the Russian claim that the referendum was the basis for these regions to join Russia holds no water. As it represents no free will.
• Using the UN charter to legitimize actions: Russia has invoked Article 51(which provides for self-defense against an armed attack); Article 1 (right of self-determination of the people- ‘referendum’).