Ukraine Symposium – International Law in the Crucible of Conflict, Volume 2

When we began our Articles of War series on the Ukraine-Russia war over four and a half years ago, we hoped to provide readers timely and fine-grained analysis of the challenges the conflict presented to the international security system and the legal regimes that govern it. We could not have predicted how long the conflict would last or how it would progress, but we immediately understood its significance for the regulation of war and the development of the law of war.

Although we initially envisioned the series as a limited project, it has swelled to include over 100 posts addressing a nearly comprehensive range of law of war topics and adjacent subjects including the jus ad bellum, State responsibility, international criminal law, and international human rights law. As the series grew, and with the encouragement of our readers, we explored the possibility of compiling the posts in a single publication. The result was the publication of Ukraine Symposium: International Law in the Crucible of Conflict, in two volumes, with the West Point Press.

Of course, we originally published the posts in the order they were solicited and received. Unsurprisingly, the early posts trace a familiar path beginning with questions concerning the legality of the invasion, issues regarding the status and obligations of non-belligerent States, and discussion of the conflict’s legal status. As the conflict unfolded, our coverage followed events and addressed questions of individual status, the use of new weapons, and the expansion of target categories. Later posts also explored issues related to detention, civilian abuse, and obligations during belligerent occupation.

When compiling and editing the two volumes of the Ukraine Symposium, however, we elected to reorganize the posts thematically rather than chronologically. In doing so, our intent was to create a more accessible resource that would better support research and instruction, particularly for our cadets at West Point. With contributions from a range of perspectives, including governments, armed forces, academia, and humanitarian organizations, we hope the Ukraine Symposium volumes will be a valuable and enduring resource for training and instruction on the law of war.

Ukraine Symposium, Volume 1, which was published in 2025, included chapters on “International Peace and Security,” “Scope of Application,” “Law of Neutrality,” “Battlefield Status and Protection,” “Weapons,” and “Targeting.” Among other subjects, the volume examined the battlefield status and protections afforded to combatants, prisoners of war, foreign fighters, and civilians, and the use of weapons such as Molotov cocktails and thermobaric munitions. The volume also analyzed the lawfulness of attacks on dams and the use of assassination in war.

The second volume, which was published on 14 September, addresses the remaining topics covered in the online series. Chapters in Ukraine Symposium, Volume 2, consider “Domains,” including the cyber, maritime, air, and space domains of warfare, “Belligerent Occupation,” and “Enforcement.” The final chapter of the volume includes miscellaneous topics, such as the weaponization of food, the application of siege law, the protection of cultural property, and negotiations to end fighting.

We are enormously grateful to the authors who contributed to the Articles of War series and Ukraine Symposium volumes. Despite the professional demands on their time and various personal obligations, each gave selflessly to analyze, discuss, and refine our understanding of the law of war as it applied and developed in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. We would also like to thank our team members on the Editorial Board of Articles of War, especially our Managing Editor, Liisi Adamson. Their professionalism, collegiality, and selfless service make working on Articles of War a daily pleasure.

Last, we note that despite over four and a half years of fighting, the Ukraine-Russia war persists. New issues in the conflict continue to test our understanding of the complex and evolving relationship between law and warfare. Our work, therefore, is by no means done. In keeping with the mission of the Lieber Institute and Articles of War, we welcome your continued contributions and thoughtful engagement on issues affecting our shared field of practice and study.

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Ronald Alcala is a Colonel in the United States Army. He is an Academy Professor of Law and Dean of the United States Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point, N.Y. 

Sean Watts is a Professor in the Department of Law and Philosophy at the United States Military Academy, Co-Director of the Lieber Institute for Law and Warfare at West Point, and Co-Editor-in-Chief of Articles of War.

The views expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense. 

Articles of War is a forum for professionals to share opinions and cultivate ideas. Articles of War does not screen articles to fit a particular editorial agenda, nor endorse or advocate material that is published.

Photo credit: Pexels, West Point Press