**Russia Found Responsible for Downed Plane and Human Rights Abuses in Ukraine**
A major breakthrough has been made in the international community as the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) held Russia accountable for a tragic event that shocked the world five years ago. In July 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down by Russian proxy forces in eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board.
In a landmark decision announced on July 9, the Strasbourg-based court found Russia responsible for the downing of the plane and also ruled that the country committed “widespread and flagrant abuses of human rights” during its war against Ukraine. This marks the first time an international court has held Russia accountable for these crimes.
**A Grave Turn of Events**
The events leading up to this decision are well-documented. In 2014, pro-Russian forces in Donbas began attacking Ukrainian military units, sparking a conflict that would escalate into full-blown war after Russia’s invasion in 2022. Ukraine and the Netherlands lodged four cases against Russia with the ECHR between 2014 and 2022, but the country was expelled from the court following the outbreak of the full-scale war.
The implications of this decision are significant. It not only holds Russia accountable for one of the most egregious aviation disasters in history but also highlights the country’s human rights record during its conflict with Ukraine. This ruling sets a precedent and sends a strong message to international leaders that accountability is key in preventing such atrocities from happening again.
**What Does This Mean?**
This decision has far-reaching consequences for Russia, Ukraine, and the global community. It underscores the importance of international cooperation and the rule of law in times of conflict. The ECHR’s findings will likely have a significant impact on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, putting pressure on both sides to adhere to human rights standards.
For Martin Fornusek, news editor at the Kyiv Independent, this decision is a major victory for justice. “This ruling sends a clear message that international law matters,” he said in an interview with our publication. “It’s a reminder that even the most powerful countries must be held accountable for their actions.”
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