European Court Rules Against Russia in Two Landmark Decisions
On July 9, 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued two significant rulings against Russia. The first ruling states that Russia violated international law during its war against Ukraine, marking the first instance in which an international court has held Moscow accountable for human rights violations since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, reports 24brussels.
The court also determined that Russia was responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. This ruling marks the first time an international court has attributed responsibility to Moscow for the tragedy that occurred in 2014, resulting in the deaths of 298 individuals.
These rulings represent a significant development in the legal landscape surrounding human rights and accountability during armed conflict. As the ECHR continues to hear cases relating to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, the implications of these decisions may reverberate through international law and diplomatic relations.
Further updates on the reaction from the Russian government and international community are expected as the implications of these rulings unfold.
