Russia must waive its right of veto in UN Security Council if not comply with ICJ order – Nikolenko

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Oleh Nikolenko in a commentary to Ukrinform.

“Russia wants to sit on two chairs at the same time. On the one hand, it does not want to implement the mandatory order of the UN’s International Court of Justice. On the other hand, it wants to continue using the privileges of the international law. But the international law cannot be wagged like a dog’s tail,” Nikolenko told.

In his words, the court order is binding and, in accordance with the norms of the international law, creates legal obligations for the Russian Federation.

“Russia’s statement that the court has no jurisdiction to consider the claim of Ukraine, and, accordingly, to execute it, is void. During the hearing, the court rejected Russia’s objections and confirmed the powers to issue its order,” Nikolenko added.

According to him, despite Russia’s attempt to freely interpret the order of the UN’s International Court of Justice, Russia will not be able to avoid responsibility for its crimes against the Ukrainian people.