Introduction

The introduction of the book highlights the direct threat war poses to the rule of law and human rights, emphasizing the role of the United Nations in maintaining peace and security. It identifies the crime of aggression as a severe violation under the UN Charter and the Rome Statute. The chapter underscores the significant role of information warfare in modern conflicts, particularly focusing on the Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which marks the first substantial cyberwar. The text details Russia's use of propaganda, disinformation, and fake news to manipulate public perception and incite conflict, exemplified by the fabricated story of a crucified boy. The importance of information security in Ukraine is stressed, describing it as essential to national security and protection against propaganda. The book aims to explore how freedom of speech can be balanced with the need to counteract propaganda, drawing on legal frameworks and case law from the European Court of Human Rights. It also examines the effectiveness of Russian propaganda, citing studies and surveys that show its impact on public opinion and political stability in various regions. The book will address key legal questions regarding the criminalization of speech, the permissible limits of freedom of speech during conflicts, and the post-war implications for this fundamental right.