Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The Kremlin says it plans to ignore the verdict.
The Kremlin says it plans to ignore the verdict.
What is happening?
In a landmark ruling, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has found Russia liable for a sweeping range of human rights violations in Ukraine—marking the first time an international court has formally held Moscow accountable in the context of the conflict.
MH17 Downing Blamed on Russian-Backed Separatists
Among the most significant findings was Russia’s culpability in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
The court concluded that the jet was struck by a Russian-made Buk missile launched from rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board.
Verdict Covers Murder, Rape, and War Crimes
The ECHR’s ruling covered four major cases brought by Ukraine and the Netherlands, citing Russia’s involvement in killings, torture, sexual violence, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the forced transfer of Ukrainian children.
Sexual Violence Used as a Weapon of War
Court President Mattias Guyomar condemned the use of rape and sexual violence by Russian forces as a deliberate tactic to demoralize Ukrainians.
He stated that such actions amounted to torture and were part of a calculated strategy of terror.
Symbolic Victory Amid Russia’s Defiance
While the ruling is a moral and legal milestone, its practical impact remains uncertain.
The Kremlin has dismissed the decision outright, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling it “void” and saying Russia will not comply.
MH17 Families Welcome a Step Toward Justice
For relatives of those killed on MH17, the ruling offers long-sought recognition.
“It’s a real step in understanding who was really responsible,” said Thomas Schansman, who lost his teenage son in the tragedy and has personally pursued legal action, to AP.
UN and Dutch Courts Echo Findings
This decision comes on the heels of parallel rulings: the UN’s aviation body in May also blamed Russia for MH17, and Dutch courts previously convicted three men—including two Russians—in absentia for their roles in the disaster.
Court Still Holds Jurisdiction Despite Russia’s Expulsion
Although Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe in 2022 following its full-scale invasion, the ECHR retains jurisdiction over cases involving events prior to that date, allowing it to proceed with long-standing legal challenges.
10.000 more cases coming
Wednesday’s rulings are just the beginning. Ukraine has more complaints in the pipeline, and nearly 10,000 individual cases against the Russian state are currently before the ECHR.
A Push for a New Tribunal
Ukraine is now planning to establish an international tribunal focused on prosecuting Russia’s leadership for crimes linked to the full-scale invasion.
President Zelenskyy formally approved the initiative last month, adding momentum to global legal action.
