Ukraine v. Russia : International Court Of Justice Concludes Hearing Ukraine's Application; Russia Refuses To Appear [LIVE UPDATES]

Ukraine: In an attempt to deprive #Ukraine of fuel, #Russia has attacked various fuel depos releasing vast clouds of toxic smoke into the atmosphere. Reference made to the attack of a fuel depo in Vasylkiv.

Ukraine: The risk of aggravation of the crisis is acute. Ukraine stands on the verge of a slaughter of more innocent civilians. As we have seen in Mariupol, Russia has no compunction once it has surrounded a city in simply bombing it into oblivion.

Ukraine: UNHCR's latest figures show that a million and a half people are now living as refugees in neighbouring countries. It is hard to conceive the circumstances in which the civilian population could be more vulnerable than this.

Ukraine: Irreplaceable prejudice is happening now and only grows with every day that passes. The population of Ukraine is extremely vulnerable to the violence being inflicted on it by #Russia. Millions are trapped in cities that are being ruthlessly bombarded.

Ukraine: In addition to irreparable harm, the condition of urgency is amply satisfied here. There is no doubt that unless this Court acts now irreparable prejudice will be caused to Ukrainian rights before the Court gives its final decision.

Ukraine: The use of cluster bombs by #Russia has also been documented. Perhaps equally concerning is the fact that Russia is reported to have deployed its TOS- 1 thermobaric rockets launchers which produce longer blast waves than conventional bombs.

Ukraine: Russia is resorting to tactics reminiscent of many evil siege warfare. In certain cities, Russia is cutting off the escape routes. Today that is the fate of Mariupol.

Reference made to newspaper report which states that electricity and water supply has been cut off.

Ukraine refers to the decision taken by the ICC prosecutor to open an investigation into the situation in Ukraine, observing that there is a "reasonable basis" to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed.

Ukraine: It is equally obvious that this invasion has caused, is causing, continues to cause huge human suffering including through the widespread commission of war crimes, the displacement of literally millions of civilians.

Ukraine: The Court under Art 41 of the ICJ Statute can indicate provisional measures when irreplaceable prejudice could be caused to rights which are subject to judicial proceedings or when the alleged disregard of such rights may entail irreparable consequences.