![]() The invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops undoubtedly constitutes an unlawful use of force under the United Nations (“UN”) Charter and an aggression against Ukraine, as recognised by the UN General Assembly in its Resolution on March 2, 2022. FIDH’s member organizations documented countless instances of international crimes being committed by Russian soldiers during the past six months, including the killing of civilians, torture, sexual and gender-based crimes and forced displacement. In addition, over 6.6 million Ukrainians sought refuge in Europe, while another 6.6 million people are internally displaced within Ukraine. During the past six months, over 13.400 civilians were injured or killed. ![]() On February 24, 2022, Russian authorities launched an armed attack on major Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa, Mariupol, and Kramatorsk, with ballistic cruise missiles and multiple rocket launchers reportedly used in the attacks. The existence of an armed conflict is established based on facts, irrespective of its internal qualification or the declaration of war by one of the parties. You don’t need to declare a war to be at war Six months after the February 24 aggression, FIDH explains why it is not legally appropriate to call the international armed conflict taking place in Ukraine a “SMO”. Regardless of its internal qualification, Russia’s attack on Ukraine constitutes an act of aggression and an ongoing violation of international law. Since February 24, 2022, the beginning of a full-scale offensive against Ukraine, the Russian authorities insist on calling it a “special military operation" (“SMO”). This year, the date coincides with another deplorable milestone - six months since the escalation of the Russian-Ukrainian war which commenced in 2014. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) explains why it is not legally appropriate to call the international armed conflict taking place in Ukraine a “special military operation”.Īugust 24, 2022, marks the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and the founding of the modern state of Ukraine. ![]() ![]() Six months after the beginning of a full-scale offensive against Ukraine, the Russian authorities continue calling the Russian-Ukrainian war a "special military operation". ![]()
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