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RUSSIA | UKRAINE WAR - Sixteen companies from Rinat Akhmetov's Metinvest Group have filed lawsuits against Russia in the European Court of Human Rights, seeking “fair compensation for the damage caused by Russian aggression”. According to Akhmetov, the destruction of Ilyich Iron and Steel Works and Azovstal Plant alone could have already cost Metinvest Group up to $20 billion.
While the exact amount of compensation cannot yet be determined due to ongoing hostilities, Metinvest argues that Russia is violating its rights under Article 1 of Protocol 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights by causing significant damage and depriving the Group of control over its assets.
Urgent measures and pilot procedure
In addition to this complaint, Akhmetov filed a claim for urgent interim measures to prevent Russia from further blockading, looting, diverting, and destroying grain and steel produced by SCM businesses. Akhmetov has requested the European Court of Human Rights to prioritize this case, urging the court to make it clear that Russia’s actions are unacceptable in the modern world. Furthermore, in 2018, Akhmetov submitted a claim related to DTEK assets in annexed Crimea. The businessman has vowed to use any compensation recovered from Russia for Ukraine’s future restoration.
Legal aid and humanitarian efforts
Rinat Akhmetov, with the assistance of top Ukrainian and American lawyers, has asked the European Court of Human Rights to apply a pilot procedure to this case, as Russia’s actions have similarly affected business owners throughout Ukraine. Jonathan Gimblett, representing Akhmetov, stated that those harmed by Russian aggression have every legal avenue to hold Russia accountable. He is confident that the court will hold Russia to its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and provide Akhmetov, as well as other Ukrainians affected by the war, the justice they deserve.
Despite the colossal losses, Akhmetov continues to provide military and humanitarian aid, having already donated about UAH 10 billion to support Ukraine. As the owner of Azovstal and other industrial enterprises targeted by Russian forces, Rinat Akhmetov is committed to seeking justice and holding Russia accountable.
The material is based on this publication.
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