The Lawfare Podcast

Lawfare Archive: Russia’s Aggression Against Ukraine and the International Legal Order

Dec 31, 2025
Oona Hathaway, a Yale Law School professor, delivers insightful analysis on the legal implications of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. She discusses the robust international response, including sanctions and military aid, and argues for a strengthened General Assembly's role. Constanze Stelzenmüller engages her in a thought-provoking Q&A, and Ambassador Martin Kimani shares perspectives on post-colonial skepticism toward Western legalism. The panel, featuring Rosa Brooks and Karin Landgren, emphasizes the need for accountability and innovative institutional reforms.
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INSIGHT

General Assembly Stepped In

  • When the Security Council was blocked by a veto, the General Assembly used the Uniting for Peace mechanism to condemn Russia.
  • 141 states repeatedly voted to demand Russia withdraw, showing broad global condemnation beyond the P5.
INSIGHT

Sanctions And Aid Worked Together

  • Outcasting via sanctions and exclusion from institutions has been unprecedented and central to the response.
  • The U.S. and allies also provided massive military and financial aid legitimized by legal condemnation of Russia.
INSIGHT

ICC Acting Fast Changed Expectations

  • The ICC moved rapidly: investigations began days after the invasion and led to indictments including for high-level officials.
  • Rapid international criminal steps increased accountability momentum even while trials may occur later.
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