European court rules on Russia's responsibility for Ukraine conflict
- Judges at the European Court of Human Rights are set to adjudicate on cases involving Russia's actions in Ukraine, particularly human rights violations and the downing of MH17.
- This ruling marks the first time an international court has examined Russia's culpability relating to the broader Ukraine conflict starting in 2014.
- The ruling will symbolize progress for the families of MH17 victims but also comes with ongoing efforts to establish accountability within international law.
In a significant move, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will deliver a ruling regarding Russia's actions in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including serious human rights violations attributed to the nation during its full-scale invasion. This decision, anticipated on July 9, 2025, originates from four separate cases presented against Russia by both Ukraine and the Netherlands, representing the first instance where an international court will formally consider Russia's culpability in the conflict which reignited in 2014. The upshot of these cases is especially poignant for families affected by the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, where all 298 passengers and crew were lost, including 196 Dutch citizens. The long-standing quest for justice from the victims' families and surviving relatives culminates in this ruling, which they view as a crucial milestone in their 11-year pursuit of accountability regarding the tragedy. The significant finding by the ECHR may arise from a previous 2023 ruling, affirming that regions in eastern Ukraine under the control of separatist rebels were indeed under the jurisdiction of Russia. This supports claims that Russia provided military support to the rebels, thus contributing to the ongoing conflict. Although the ruling from the ECHR is expected to carry symbolic weight due to Russia's expulsion from the Council of Europe following its invasion, it remains pivotal for establishing accountability in international law. Crucially, the context surrounding the ECHR's jurisdiction in these cases is noteworthy. Even after Moscow's expulsion from the Council of Europe in 2022, the ECHR retains the authority to address cases related to actions taken prior to that decision. The court's deliberation comes amidst numerous other pending cases against Russia, and reports reveal that nearly 10,000 individual complaints have been lodged against the Kremlin pertaining to various human rights violations amid the Ukraine war. The outcome of this ruling is expected to echo beyond this courtroom, potentially influencing ongoing discussions regarding accountability in international humanitarian law. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is also moving to establish a new international court aimed at prosecuting high-ranking Russian officials for their roles in the recent intensified conflict, highlighting the universal demand for justice and preventive measures against future atrocities. The families impacted by the MH17 disaster remain undeterred in their quest for justice, with individuals like Thomas Schansman, who lost his son in the incident, emphasizing the importance of persistent efforts in pursuing accountability in the matter against the backdrop of political complexities and ongoing military engagements.