ECHR Finds Russia Guilty of Violating International Law in Ukraine

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has accused Russia of violations of rights in Ukraine and of the downing of MH17. The court recognized Russia as guilty in two cases: for violations of international law in Ukraine since the onset of large-scale hostilities in 2022 and regarding the downing of Malaysian Airlines Boeing MH17 in Donbas in 2014.

According to AP, this marks the first time the ECHR has issued such judgments against Russia. The cases were filed by the Netherlands and Ukraine. The decisions are largely seen as 'symbolic,' as Moscow withdrew from the jurisdiction of the ECHR in 2022 shortly after exiting the Council of Europe, of which it had been a member since 1996.

The Russian authorities have stated that they have ceased to comply with the court's decisions, citing their 'overtly politicized nature.' Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on July 9 that Russia does not intend to execute the court’s decisions, declaring, 'We consider them invalid. That’s all that can be said.'