The Russia-Ukraine Conflict, Universität Hamburg

Chapter 15

Law as a solution?

by Dr. Anne Dienelt

Special situation or known legal issues?

^{In fact, many of the situations discussed here in connection with the Russia-Ukraine Conflict do not pose any particular legal issues. Most of the answers are obvious, and the legal classification is often obvious. Rather, they are recurring situations in wars.}

Limitations of the law

_{The adoption of the four Geneva Conventions after World War II alone cannot prevent acts contrary to international law such as war crimes. War crimes are committed by all warring parties, by some more, by others less.}

_{The law can only fulfill its purpose if there is also the political will to implement it.}

Political will?

_{But how can states be required to comply with the law that they themselves have established?}

_{If the threat of legal action, including imprisonment, does not prevent Putin from continuing to wage an unlawful war against Ukraine, including violations of international humanitarian law, how can the law protect from wars and death and pain?}

No will, no way?

_{The law is only as good as states and we as a society want it to be. Where there is a will, there is a way!}