Brussels: Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 is a tragedy linked to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the European Court of Justice has ruled. 298 lives ended here. Their journey, the passengers and crew on flight MH17 from the Netherlands to Malaysia, was cut short over Ukrainian airspace, over a conflict zone between the government and pro-Russian separatist rebels.

According to Thai News Agency, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Russia was responsible for shooting down the civilian plane. The tribunal ruled that Russian forces had engaged in a blatantly illegal operation to shoot down MH17 with a Russian medium-range surface-to-air missile system. The missile launch was a deliberate attack on MH17, mistaking it for a warplane, without Russia checking any targets, thereby violating the principle of the separation of combatants from civilians and the principle of warning before an attack. Since Russia supplied the missiles to the rebels, it is deemed responsible. This court ruling aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s call for compensation following an 11-year wait, marking a significant moment for the families of the deceased.

However, for Russia, the ruling holds no significance. The Russian government has rejected the European Court of Human Rights’ decision, with a Russian government spokesman declaring that Russia will not comply, labeling the ruling as null and void. Three years ago, when Russia invaded Ukraine, the Court expelled Russia from its membership. Nevertheless, the Court retains jurisdiction to hear cases predating the expulsion, obligating Russia to participate in the process. Although the Court is yet to decide on the amount of damages Russia must pay, given Russia’s stance, there is minimal hope of receiving any compensation.

For the families of the victims, the court’s verdict represents justice. Of the 298 people on board, the majority were 198 Dutch, 43 Malaysians, 38 Australians, 10 Britons, and citizens from 13 other countries. Families are finally receiving the truth they have long awaited through the justice system. A Dutch father who lost his 18-year-old son expressed that the court’s verdict answers the question of who caused the tragedy: Russia killed his son. This aligns with critical evidence from the Dutch government, which includes recordings of Russian leader Putin, the leader of the rebel forces, who ordered the delivery of heavy weapons to attack aircraft in Ukraine.