International Law Clinic delivers a research paper on Russia’s use of domestic legislation and international law as a tool of warfare against Ukraine and the West

The research paper was prepared by students of the International Law Clinic run by the Department of International and European Law at NaUKMA.  

In pursuit of its imperial ambitions, Russia resorts not only to military force, but also uses law as a weapon. Understanding Russia’s lawfare strategy can help to devise appropriate responses and reduce geopolitical risks. This research paper focuses on Russia’s use of domestic legislation and international law as a means of waging war and advancing its geopolitical interests. First, it analyzes amendments introduced recently into the Russian Constitution and other domestic legislation, investigating the motives behind these legislative changes and their potential role in lawfare. Second, it investigates the exploitation by Russia of certain international law norms, in particular in the process of its annexation of Crimea. Finally, it explores the increasing use of lawfare in Russia’s strategy of maintaining a low-intensity conflict in Eastern Ukraine.