Statement of the MFA of Ukraine on the jurisdictional phase of proceedings in its case against the Russian Federation before the International Court of Justice

On 12 September 2018, the Russian Federation filed  preliminary objections in the International Court of Justice (“ICJ”),  challenging the Court’s jurisdiction to hear Ukraine’s case.

Ukraine filed its case in the ICJ on 16 January 2017 to challenge Russia’s systematic violations of the International  Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (“Terrorism  Financing Convention”), and the International Convention on the  Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (“Racial  Discrimination Convention”).  

On 12 June 2018, Ukraine submitted to the ICJ a Memorial and extensive evidence documenting Russia’s serious violations of these treaties. 

Consistent with common practice before the ICJ, Russia has responded  by filing Preliminary Objections, arguing that the Court lacks  jurisdiction over the case.  Although Russia has the right under the  Court’s rules to make these objections, Ukraine is confident that the  Court will reject them and conclude that it has jurisdiction over  Ukraine’s claims. 

According to the order of the Court,  Ukraine has until 14 January 2019 to file a Written Statement opposing  Russia’s objections.  After Ukraine’s statement is submitted, the Court  will hold hearings on the objections and then issue a decision. 

Ukraine has made a powerful case that Russia is violating the  Terrorism Financing and Racial Discrimination Conventions.  Ukraine is  confident that it will ultimately prevail on the merits and Russia will  be held accountable for its wrongful acts.