Rinat Akhmetov Files Lawsuit Against Russia in Human Rights Court

Rinat Akhmetov recently filed a lawsuit in Europe against Russia that made headlines for its accusations and requests.

As the owner of Azovstal Iron and Steel Works and the wealthiest man in Ukraine, he’s seeking compensation for the billions he’s lost in business since Russia’s invasion.

This case is being processed in a top human rights court and billed as an attempt to bring justice to Russian forces who would perpetuate a needless and violent war. Here’s a look at the details, what the suit means for the countries, and how the billionaire has done everything he can to help his people.

Grievous Violations

At the European Court of Human Rights, the lawsuit against Russia was filed for “grievous violations of [Akhmetov’s] property rights,” according to Akhmetov’s holding company, System Capital Management. Azovstal operated in Mariupol, a city that suffered under heavy siege from Russian troops and one where Ukrainian fighters stood up for weeks of extreme attacks.

Akhmetov isn’t stopping there. He’s also seeking a court order to prevent Russia from further decimating the grain and steel produced by his subsidiaries. This includes blocking, looting, or diverting the products he and his employees have worked so hard to grow or make.

As he put it, "Evil cannot go unpunished. Russia's crimes against Ukraine and our people are egregious, and those guilty of them must be held liable." Russia's interference has caused higher prices for grain and steel, which has led to people starving all over the world. Akhmetov demands that Russia not only stop the war, but also pay for what they have done.

Russia’s Response

Russia has already responded to the lawsuit, and the reaction isn’t surprising (particularly when considering how the world at large has reacted to their utterly deplorable actions). Short of extreme action, decision-makers seem to be largely undeterred by external judgments, accusations, or threats.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the lawsuit out of hand, saying that the European Court of Human Rights has no authority over Russia. His statements were aligned with the country’s larger platform. There's no shortage of evidence that proves Russia’s callousness toward its neighboring country. When Ukrainians accused the Russians of stealing from occupied territories, Russia ignored these allegations as well.

Rinat Akhmetov isn’t shocked by Peskov’s statement, but the stumbling block won’t prevent him from seeking restitution for his losses. Metinvest, another company under his umbrella, lost between $17 billion and $20 billion due to the strikes against his steel plants in Mariupol. The exact number will be listed in his lawsuit and the billionaire will leverage his position to ensure that the people who perpetrated the violence and grief will be held accountable.

Rinat Akhmetov’s Fight for His Country

Akhmetov’s net worth is well known in Ukraine and beyond, totaling more than $15 billion in 2013. In 2014, his empire was threatened by Russian-backed separatists who managed to seize territory in eastern Ukraine. After years of fighting and the most recent invasion in February, the businessman has sustained some devastating blows. More than his own wealth, though, he’s seen how the losses have affected the people of Ukraine and its larger economy.

Before the fighting, Akhmetov had big plans to invest $1 billion in Mariupol. The money would have gone toward new manufacturing facilities and a free university where residents could earn an education in a lucrative field. These aren’t just important initiatives for his own portfolio; they’re critical to workers and their families. Economic opportunity gives people financial stability, and it’s a way to help them improve their overall quality of life.

Akhmetov is from the divided city of Donetsk, and he’s personally witnessed how conflict can destroy lives. It's why he's filing this lawsuit and why he mobilized his philanthropic forces as quickly as he could. As the founder of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, he instructed the organization to deliver aid as quickly as possible.

Immediately after Russia invaded earlier this year, Akhmetov said, “I have already instructed my foundation to help with evacuation, medicines, and everything necessary, if needed. We will do everything to prevent a humanitarian disaster.” His efforts, financial and otherwise, are all made in consideration of his countrymen and women. This lawsuit is designed to recoup his losses, but only so he can distribute the wealth for the well-being of Ukraine. Based on his history, he's unlikely to back down from his demands anytime soon.