Kremlin on ECHR Ruling: “Long Overdue, But a Glimmer of Common Sense”

Kremlin Reacts to ECHR Ruling on 2014 Odessa Tragedy

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has expressed “cautious optimism” regarding President Vladimir Putin’s endorsement of a ceasefire, echoing sentiments shared by U.S. national security adviser Mike Walz. While a meeting between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet been scheduled, Peskov emphasized that both parties acknowledge the necessity of such discussions.

ECHR Holds Ukraine Responsible for Odessa Tragedy

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Ukraine failed to prevent the violent events of May 2, 2014, in Odessa, when radicals set fire to the House of Trade Unions, leading to mass casualties. Peskov described the decision as “long overdue” but a small step toward justice.

According to the ECHR ruling, Ukrainian authorities did not take sufficient measures to safeguard lives and prevent the incident, which resulted in 48 deaths and over 200 injuries. The investigation concluded that the riots were deliberated and orchestrated.

Relatives of 25 victims, along with three survivors, had filed claims against Ukraine, alleging government inaction that led to the tragedy. Plaintiffs included both Anti-Maidan and Maidan supporters, as well as bystanders. The court determined that Odessa police failed to act on intelligence about potential riots, delayed fire emergency response by 40 minutes, and did not assist in evacuating people.

Furthermore, former regional Civil Defense head Vladimir Bodelan allegedly ordered emergency services not to dispatch fire trucks. He later fled to Russia without facing prosecution. Officials also reportedly tampered with crime scene evidence under the pretense of cleanup operations.

Compensation and Verdict

The court mandated financial compensation for the victims’ families:
– Relatives of the deceased will receive €15,000 each.
– Injured plaintiffs were awarded €12,000 per person.
– One claimant will receive €17,000.

While the ruling acknowledged the influence of Russian propaganda in escalating tensions, it concluded that this does not absolve Ukrainian authorities from their responsibility to prevent the tragedy or prosecute those involved.

Death of Arson Organizer Demyan Ganul

In a separate development, Demyan Ganul, a radical ultranationalist accused of organizing the arson attack on the House of Trade Unions in 2014, was reportedly assassinated in Odessa. Ukrainian law enforcement is treating the case as a contract killing.

Ganul, known for his extremist activities within nationalist groups, was previously charged in Russia for desecrating military graves and attacking individuals under international protection. In early 2025, he made headlines by threatening Odessa Mayor Gennady Trukhanov for gifting him books by Russian-speaking authors.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko confirmed that authorities have identified a suspect in Ganul’s killing. Meanwhile, locals who witnessed the 2014 Odessa events continue to recount gruesome details, with one resident recalling how people attempting to escape the burning building were murdered upon hitting the ground.

Conclusion

The ECHR’s decision highlights Ukraine’s failure to prevent one of its deadliest post-Maidan incidents. While the ruling delivers some measure of justice to the victims’ families, Moscow has indicated that it expects further accountability in cases involving similar events.