Accountability for international crimes in Ukraine: A view from The Hague

Abstract

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to a surge in debate in professional and academic circles – legal and otherwise – and a revitalisation of interest in international justice by broad sections of the public, especially in Europe. 1 In many ways, the period of about 18 months after 24 February 2022 was remarkable in how central accountability was in the many responses to Russia’s actions. In academia and policy circles, days were filled with panels, public debates and lectures on international law, and special issues of journals were being published. Articles dissected aspects of international law and how it applied to the war that was (and is) unfolding with great brutality. While civilians suffered painful, soul-shattering losses, the field of international justice was being infused with renewed energy and purpose.