It is a testament of today’s chaotic world that although the humanitarian and economic consequences of a war against Ukraine have been contemplated, the legal implications have been neglected.
However, if an invasion is ordered by Moscow, that action would represent a serious breach of international law. Russia has placed over 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine, an indication that such an invasion may be imminent.
"The launch of a war of aggression is a crime that no political or economic situation can justify," said Robert Jackson, chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg Tribunal and a member of the U.S. Supreme Court. Such an aggressive act against Ukraine could be included in Principle VI of the Nuremberg principles regarding crimes against peace and war, defined as "(i) Planning, preparation, initiation or waging of a war of aggression or a war in violation of international treaties, agreements or assurances; (ii) Participation in a common plan or conspiracy for the accomplishment of any of the acts mentioned under (i)."