Part 3 The Post 9/11-Era (2001–), 63 The Crisis in Ukraine—2014

Subject(s):

Aggression — UN Charter — Peremptory norms / ius cogens

On 28 February 2014, Russian forces moved out of their base on the Black Sea into Crimea, triggering a crisis with Ukraine that quickly spread to Eastern Ukraine. Russia has attempted to justify its actions in Ukraine. On close analysis, no argument is adequate to avoid the charge of aggression, which is any serious violation of United Nations Charter Article 2(4). Article 2(4) is no mere treaty rule. It is jus cogens, a peremptory norm, meaning it is durable, impervious to modification. Facts on the ground in Ukraine may remain unchanged without sufficient international pressure. Regardless, Russia’s presence will remain unlawful.