States and some organisations have expressed their views about the utility, purpose, scope and process of the legal review of weapons in various different contexts. Some of these views have been recorded domestic documents, such as military manuals on the law of armed conflict. Increasingly, however, States and organisations have articulated their positions in a range of international fora, either through written submissions or oral interventions.
This database compiles and organises publicly expressed views in relation to legal reviews, without prejudice to their relative significance or effect (for example, in terms of the development of customary international law). The database aims to comprehensively reflect the views of states but only covers the positions of a small number of selected organisations.
This database currently contains 379 positions and is continuously updated. Any corrections, or suggestions to add material, are welcome.
10 positions Russia (remove filter)
2026
Statement by the Russian Federation
But we do still have concerns about sub-paragraph [39(b)]. We feel that this little paragraph is superfluous because it is covered by the understanding of a legal review itself, which foresees following the procedure that's described under the circumstances that are mentioned in subparagraph right …
2024
Statement by the Russian Federation
As we said before, obligations under Article 36 of Additional Protocol I do not provide for an automatic prohibition of one or other kind of weapons as not in line with the requirements of IHL because of the objective impossibility of providing for and taking …
Submission by the Russian Federation to the Secretary-General
The 1977 Additional Protocol I (AP I) to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 also contains an important obligation regarding conduction of legal reviews during the study, development, acquisition or adoption of new weapons. Meanwhile, the article 36 does not contain any provisions on how exactly …
2023
Statement by the Russian Federation
Today we’re discussing a very important question in our view, a question that is related to questions of compliance with the provisions of IHL during the entire life-cycle of such weapon systems that we consider to be lethal autonomous weapons systems. We believe that at …
Concept of activities of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the development and use of weapons systems
3. … Adherence to the basic principles of IHL: distinction, proportionality, humanitarian considerations and military necessity should be mandatory, as well as legal review in the study, development, acquisition or adoption of new weapon types. …
2022
Application of international law to Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems
9. In line with Article 36 of [API], in the study, development, acquisition or adoption of LAWS, it should be determined whether their employment would, in some or all circumstances, fall under the prohibitions of international norms. Besides, it should be concluded whether they are …
2021
Considerations for the report of the Group of Governmental Experts
15. The Russian Federation fully complies with its obligations under Article 36 of Additional Protocol I of 1977 (AP I) to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Our country has a nationwide system which makes it possible, on the basis of the existing legal and regulatory framework, …
2020
National Commentary by the Russian Federation
In accordance with guiding principle e), the Russian Federation fully complies with its obligations under Article 36 of the AP I. We consider it a norm of customary international law. This Article has no provisions on how exactly legal reviews should be conducted, and does …
2019
Potential opportunities and limitations of military uses of lethal autonomous weapons systems
8. Article 36 of 1977 Additional Protocol I (AP I) to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 is a supplementary tool to regulate LAWS in the context of future military uses. Russia adheres to its relevant obligations and deems it unnecessary to elaborate a universal mandatory …
2005
IHL and ERW: Response from the Russian Federation
The Russian Federation attaches great importance to efforts to create a mechanism to ensure that evolving arms systems comply with IHL. In order that the features of new types of weapon are in keeping with international treaties, it is planned to set up a special …