UKRAINE V. RUSSIA

Prosecution: Ukraine

                        v.

Defendant: Russia

Statement of the Case:

On February 27th, 2014, Russian forces seized control of the Crimean Parliament, and other government buildings. The Russians influenced the Parliament to appoint a new Prime Minister, and hold a referendum on whether Crimeans wanted to stay a part of Ukraine, or be annexed into Russia. The Russian government officially confirmed their military presence in the country, citing “alleged threats to citizens of the Russian Federation”. Ostracized Ukrainian President Yanukovych, who was seeking asylum in Russia at the time, allegedly requested for Russian intervention in the region, adding to Russia’s defense for these actions. On March 8th, the Russian government announced the incorporation of Crimea into Russia after the referendum results, declared illegitimate by the Ukrainian government, and the UN General Assembly. The Russian legislature enacted laws affirming the annexation, and granted Russian citizenship to Crimean residents. While the invasion and takeover occurred with little exchange of gunfire, Russian troops took full control of the area through military force, and pushed Ukrainian troops out of their stations in the area.

Charges:

The ICC charges Russia, under Article 8, with War Crimes, for provoking an armed conflict by taking occupation of Ukraine’s territory by force, without consent.

The ICC charges Russia, under Article 8, with Crimes of Aggression, for taking over the Crimea region and creating a hostile environment with military might.