European Court of Human Rights Rules Russia Responsible for Downing of Flight MH17
The Hague, 9 July 2025 – In a landmark decision today, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that the Russian Federation bears responsibility for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which tragically crashed over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014. The court’s judgment follows years of investigation and legal proceedings concerning the catastrophic event that claimed the lives of all 298 people on board.
The ruling, published by the Dutch government’s official news outlet, Government.nl, signifies a significant international legal pronouncement on the role of Russia in the tragedy. The ECHR found that Russia exercised effective control over the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) at the time of the downing and that Russian forces were involved in the deployment of the Buk missile system used to launch the attack.
This decision is the culmination of a long and arduous process for the victims’ families, who have tirelessly sought justice and accountability. The court’s findings are based on extensive evidence presented by the applicants and corroborated by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), which has been conducting a criminal investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
The ECHR’s judgment addresses violations of the European Convention on Human Rights, specifically Article 2 (the right to life) in relation to the positive obligations of states to protect the lives of individuals within their jurisdiction. The court’s determination of effective control by Russia over the DPR has been a key element in establishing responsibility.
While the criminal proceedings related to the downing of MH17 are ongoing in a separate Dutch court, this ECHR ruling provides a significant international legal dimension to the case, underscoring the gravity of the event and the need for accountability.
The Dutch government has consistently advocated for a thorough and independent investigation into the downing of Flight MH17 and has expressed its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their loved ones. This ruling from the European Court of Human Rights is a crucial step in that ongoing pursuit of justice. The full implications of this judgment are expected to be further explored in the coming days and weeks, as the international community processes this important legal development.
European Court of Human Rights: Russia responsible for downing of flight MH17
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