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future, is under an obligation to address and prevent any threat that the groups
pose to the Ukrainian civilian population. Certainly, with the Ukrainian authority in
Kiev combatting pro-Russian forces, it is difficult to adequately protect the civilian
population. This is complicated thrice-fold by the fact that the authority in Kiev has
not yet been formally recognized as the legitimate government of Kiev and elections
results may be uncertain. Whether a new Ukrainian government or a new region or a
neighboring country will be responsible for the protection of citizens and deterrence
of impunity for armed groups or individuals is uncertain at this time. As such, the
role of international law and the emerging responsibility of private organizations
may prove to be crucial if violence or atrocities are committed by privately-funded
or organized groups. Without a doubt, the situation will represent challenges under
international law and may lead to the development or the deterioration of several
aspects of international law.