International Humanitarian Law and the Waging of War in Ukraine: Integrative Review

Abstract

The study examines the legal regulation of warfare in Ukraine under international humanitarian law (IHL). Its primary goal is to identify challenges in implementing international norms within Ukraine's ongoing armed conflict and evaluate their effectiveness in protecting civilian rights. The research methodology relies on bibliometric and documentary analysis. Relevant publications were retrieved from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), Google Scholar, and JSTOR to ensure comprehensive access to pertinent academic sources. Articles were selected based on keywords related to IHL, such as war crimes, civilian protection, new warfare forms—cyberwarfare and drone technologies. The PRISMA methodology facilitated a systematic selection process, enhancing transparency and minimising bias. Out of 180 identified articles, 52 were included in the analysis after removing duplicates and those irrelevant to the research focus. The study highlights numerous violations of IHL by conflict parties, including prohibited warfare methods like the use of cluster munitions, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and forced deportation of civilians. While international mechanisms to enforce accountability for IHL violations exist, their practical implementation during the war in Ukraine faces significant challenges. The findings reaffirm that IHL remains a cornerstone for protecting civilians during warfare. However, its effectiveness depends on the international community's political will and the capacity to impose sanctions for violations. The study's novelty lies in its integrative approach, combining legal and quantitative analyses of specific IHL breaches in Ukraine. This research contributes to understanding the role and limitations of IHL in modern armed conflicts.