The International Bar Association (IBA) has condemned Russia’s “prolonged and intensified bombardment across Ukraine”.

The IBA said that ‘kamikaze drones’ had resulted in civilian deaths, casualties, displacements and destruction of infrastructure, and further violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

The shelling continued despite the United Nations’ General Assembly passing a resolution by a large majority (12 October) calling on countries and organisations not to recognise the four regions of Ukraine – Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia – that Russia has claimed it had annexed, following spurious referendums held in September. 

The UN resolution demands that Moscow reverse course on its attempted illegal annexations.

IBA President Sternford Moyo commented: “The IBA condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the recent expanded fusillade of missile launches indiscriminately attacking the civilian population across the country causing deaths, great suffering and destruction.

Disregard

“This spate of shelling is yet another example of Russia’s complete disregard for the sanctity of life and law,” he said.

Moyo added: “It is admirable that while Ukrainians are fighting for their very existence, they are simultaneously resolute in systematically documenting Russia’s infringements so that, at a future date, the perpetrators can be held to account without ambiguity.”

IBA Executive Director Dr Mark Ellis stated: “The widespread shelling of Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine is yet another war crime in a long list committed by Russia's civilian and military leaders in its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

“One of the most sacred principles of international humanitarian law, mandated on all parties to the conflict, is the protection of civilians. The indiscriminate attack against civilians violates this principle, and those committing these crimes must be brought to justice,” he said.