The case Ukraine vs Russia: a decision can be expected in 2023
The decision in the case “Ukraine vs. Russia” of the International Arbitration Court in The Hague, according to the optimistic scenario, can be expected in 2023. The trial in the case of the Russian aggression in the Kerch Strait in 2018 when Russia seized Ukrainian ships and their crew.
Oksana Zolotareva, Director of the International Law Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Agent of Ukraine, announced it in an interview with Ukrinform.
According to her, within six months it will become known about the decision of the International Arbitration Court on its jurisdiction in this case, whether it will consider it on the merits.
In addition, the Ukrainian agent in The Hague said that Russia usually hides and disguises its execution of court decisions.
Russia declares to the world and its internal audience that it does not recognize court decisions. And here, sanctions can be an additional mechanism of pressure on the aggressor. First, when it comes to material losses, there are coercive mechanisms for enforcing decisions.
“Our major goal is not to force Russia to pay, but to get a decision so that the entire world will hear from the independent and highly professional international court that Russia is violating international law”, - the director said.
What is known
- Last week, a debate took place at the International Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The Ukrainian side stated that the Russian Federation violated the fundamental principle of maritime law - the immunity of a warship, which is guaranteed by the UN Convention.
- The second round of debates began in The Hague on 14 October. There will be no more open parts. Only the opening remarks made by agents of each side on October 11 and 12 were open.
- On October 11, the floor was given to the Russian side. The Russian Federation denies the jurisdiction of the arbitration in The Hague on the claim of Ukraine.
- On October 12, the Ukrainian side spoke. Ukraine called on arbitration to recognize its jurisdiction in this case.
- The hearings concern preliminary objections filed by the Russian side and take place in the building of the Palace of Peace in a hybrid format.
- On November 25, 2018, Russia committed an act of aggression, firing and capturing the Ukrainian boats “Berdyansk” “Nikopol”, the tugboat “Yani Kapu”, and 24 sailors.
- On September 7, 2019, the military returned to Ukraine as part of an exchange. In two months, Russia returned the ships. However, in disassembled condition.
