The russia-Ukraine crisis and the sanctions against Russia in international law

This thesis will analyze Russia's actions in Ukraine and evaluate to what extent the coercive measures under international law are efficient, proportionate, specific and lawful based on the sanctions imposed against Russia. In the first chapter, the recent historical process of Russia-Ukraine relations will be summarized to understand the root causes of the ongoing crisis. Subsequently, the compliance with international law of the unilateral declarations of independence in eastern Ukraine and Russia's recognition and annexation of Crimea, the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic, which declared their independence, will be examined. In the second chapter, the "Special Military Operation" launched by Russia on February 24, 2022, will be analyzed within the scope of the prohibition of use of force; in this context, the sanctions taken against Russia by international organizations and states will be elaborated. The ultimate objective is to identify the deficiencies in the enforcement of international law and responsibility of states through sanctions taken against Russia.