Ukraine contends 'irreparable damage if we don't act now,' ICJ to render order soon

Making strong submissions before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Ukraine on Monday asserted that 'irreparable damage' would be caused if the court does not act against Russia immediately.

"There is no doubt that if the court doesn't act now, irreparable damage would continue to be caused," Ukraine said before the ICJ. It added, "The court should act immediately. The court is uniquely positioned to give directions to stop the crisis pending the hearing too."

Citing a US Supreme Court judgment, the country further contended that as a principal judicial arm of the UN, it was important to bring it to the court's notice that within days of the invasion, the issue had already come before various international bodies including the International Criminal Court and the UNHRC. "If you act clearly now, you won't be the one acting alone," it stated.

Meanwhile, in the absence of Russian representation, the hearing at the ICJ has ended. "The court will render its order as soon as possible. The parties would be given indication before the pronouncement of the orders in the public hearing," ICJ announced.

What does the petition by Ukraine demand?

In its petition, Ukraine has demanded that the Court urgently protect the country, citing how it was facing 'catastrophic and wholly unprovoked' military attacks at the hands of Moscow. "The human rights of the Ukrainian people are gravely violated," Ukraine said in its plea, asking the Court to urgently indicate provisional measures.

"Until this Court is able to finally resolve that dispute, the Court should preserve the status quo. The Court has the power to indicate provisional measures," Kyiv sought.

Interim measures sought

• Russia shall immediately suspend the military operations
• Russia shall immediately ensure that any military or irregular armed units which may be directed or supported by it, as well as any organizations and persons which may be subject to its control, direction, or influence, take no steps in furtherance of the military operations
• Russia shall refrain from any action and shall provide assurances that no action is taken that may aggravate or extend the dispute that is the subject of this application, or render this dispute more difficult to resolve
• Russia shall provide a report to the ICJ on measures taken to implement the court’s Order on Provisional Measures one week after such Order and then on a regular basis to be fixed by the court

Meanwhile, Russia refused to participate in the ICJ hearing. The court’s president, American judge Joan E Donoghue, said Russia’s ambassador to the Netherlands informed judges that “his government did not intend to participate in the oral proceedings.”