Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity Under Pressure of War and Diplomacy: Whither International Law?

This article examines the legal and diplomatic challenges to Ukraine’s territorial integrity in the face of Russian invasion. Through doctrinal analysis of international law, it argues that Ukraine’s case represents a critical test for the post-1945 international legal order. The article situates Russia’s attempts to change borders through unlawful use of force, evaluates the legal constraints on peace negotiations related to territorial integrity, and analyzes the risks of legitimizing unlawful occupation. It concludes that defending Ukraine’s internationally-recognized borders is essential for maintaining global security and stability, through the integrity of international legal norms and ensuring accountability for violations of the prohibition on the use of force.