Europe’s top rights court ruled Russia shot down Flight MH17 in 2014 with a missile from separatist-held Ukraine, killing 298.

It found Russia violated international law and worsened the victims’ families by denying involvement.

Wider Rulings on War Crimes

The court also found Russia guilty of murder, torture, rape, and child abduction in Ukraine after the 2022 invasion, saying civilians were deliberately targeted and sexual violence was used to break morale.

Russia Dismisses Ruling

Though expelled from the Council of Europe, Russia is still accountable for pre-2022 cases. The Kremlin rejected the judgment; Ukraine hailed it as a “historic victory.”