Europe court holds Russia accountable for human rights violations in Ukraine, downing Malaysia Airlines flight

Europe’s top human rights court on Wednesday found Russia responsible for widespread human rights violations during the war in Ukraine and for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, the first time an international court has held Moscow accountable for either.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in favour of Ukraine and the Netherlands in two high-profile cases, concluding that Russia violated multiple international laws during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and directly supported the separatist rebels responsible for shooting down MH17. The Boeing 777 was hit by a Russian-made Buk missile over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people onboard, including 196 Dutch nationals.

Though largely symbolic, the rulings are seen as a milestone in international efforts to hold Russia accountable. The cases date from before Russia’s 2022 expulsion from the Council of Europe, allowing the court to proceed.

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Families of MH17 victims welcomed the decision. “It’s a real step in understanding who was really responsible,” said Thomas Schansman, whose 18-year-old son died in the tragedy, AP quoted.

While the rulings carry no enforcement power, they add to mounting international pressure. Thousands more cases against Russia remain pending at the ECHR.