European Court of Human Rights Censures Russia for MH17, Ukraine War Crimes

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that Russia committed human rights violations during the Ukraine conflict, including the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 by a Russian-made missile fired from separatist-controlled territory. This marks the first time an international court held Russia responsible for abuses linked to the war, covering actions from 2014 to 2022 before Russia's expulsion from the Council of Europe. The court condemned Russia's indiscriminate attacks, executions, torture, and forced displacement in Ukraine, though its rulings are largely symbolic as Russia rejects the court's authority. Additionally, the European Parliament condemned Russia's ongoing war crimes in Ukraine, emphasizing the brutal attacks on civilians, deportation of children, and executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war as grave violations of international law. The Parliament strongly supports investigations by the International Criminal Court and stresses that Russia remains the most significant threat to European security. Families of MH17 victims see the court's decision as an important legal milestone in their pursuit of justice.