By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Russia is responsible for widespread human rights violations in Ukraine, marking the first time an international court has held Moscow accountable for the conflict. The ruling encompasses a range of abuses, including the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014, along with murder, torture, and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Though the decisions are largely symbolic, as Russia has stated it will not abide by them, families of the victims view this as an important step. The ECHR’s findings are separate from other ongoing legal actions, but continue to pursue justice for the victims.
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Europe’s human rights court finds Russia committed violations in Ukraine and was behind Flight MH17 – This is quite a statement, isn’t it? It’s essentially a European court, specifically designed to uphold human rights, laying down the law and declaring that Russia is guilty of serious human rights violations in Ukraine. And, as if that weren’t enough, they’re also pinning the blame for the downing of Flight MH17 squarely on Russia. It’s a formal condemnation, a significant legal determination that carries weight on the international stage.
Now, the initial reaction for many might be, “So what?” We all knew, right? We saw the reports, the evidence, the aftermath. But this isn’t just about knowing anymore. This is about having the facts officially, legally, and internationally acknowledged. It’s about a court of law saying, “Yes, what we suspected, what we feared, is the truth.”
However, the question that immediately follows is: What will actually happen? Historically, Russia hasn’t exactly been known for its adherence to international law or its sensitivity to consequences. Will this change anything? Will there be repercussions? It’s a fair concern. The wheels of international justice, while grinding, often move slowly, and the path to accountability can be long and complex. Some might argue the EU will do nothing, like a lot of other countries in the world.
But, let’s be clear, there are consequences. Sanctions, for example. They impact Russia’s economy. We’re talking about reduced GDP, shortages in labor, difficulties obtaining crucial high-tech components for its war machine, and reduced revenue from its biggest import markets. Russia’s propaganda machine is strong and can paint a different picture, but the sanctions do inflict real damage, even if it’s a slow burn. It is the reason Russia is desperate to have them removed and that they are now working through third parties for parts or buyers for oil and natural resources.
Of course, it’s not a perfect system. The impact of sanctions isn’t felt equally. The most vulnerable people within sanctioned countries often bear the brunt of the hardship. Basic necessities become scarce or unaffordable. Access to essential goods and services can be severely restricted. And while the wealthy and well-connected may find ways to navigate the restrictions, those who are less fortunate suffer the consequences.
Moreover, it seems like we rely on countries like Russia for the production of goods. That also is a problem.
It is also worth noting that the economic impact can take some time to fully manifest. Some see little impact or effect. But the fact is that it’s happening and it’s significant. The sanctions are effective, they’re just a drawn-out process. It’s the reason Russia can’t replace its modern hardware.
Let’s be honest: these sanctions are effective in weakening the regime economically, which is something many wouldn’t believe. Despite claims that sanctions don’t work, they do a lot of damage. It just takes a while for the results to be fully visible.