On July 9, 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that Russia is responsible for multiple human rights violations in Ukraine, including its role in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.
The court found Russia guilty of extrajudicial killings, torture, forced labour, unlawful detention, looting, and the illegal transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia.
Although Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe in 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine, the ECHR continues to process cases filed before that date. The court called on Russia to release detainees and assist in reuniting transferred children with their families. However, the Kremlin rejected the ruling, calling it “null and void” and stating it would not comply.