On 13 March 2014 the Government of Ukraine lodged an inter-State application against the Russian Federation. They also submitted a request under Rule 39 of the Rules of Court for an interim measure indicating to the Russian Government, among other things, that it should refrain from measures which might threaten the life and health of the civilian population on the territory of Ukraine.

Considering that the current situation gives rise to a continuing risk of serious violations of the Convention, the President of the Third Section has decided to apply Rule 39 of the Rules of Court. With a view to preventing such violations and pursuant to Rule 39, the President calls upon both Contracting Parties concerned to refrain from taking any measures, in particular military actions, which might entail breaches of the Convention rights of the civilian population, including putting their life and health at risk, and to comply with their engagements under the Convention.