Lithuania asks ECHR to join case on Russian aggression in Ukraine

VILNIUS - Lithuania on Friday asked the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to join its case on Russia's military aggression and human rights violations in Ukraine.

The Justice Ministry says it has submitted Lithuania's request to join the case as a third party.

The ECHR is examining the case following Ukraine's June 23 request regarding Russia's gross and systematic violations of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms through its military actions.

Lithuanian Justice Minister Ewelina Dobrowolska says the case is aimed at protecting the rights of victims, adding that any future decision could provide a basis for taking legal measures to secure damages for victims of Russian military aggression.

"Lithuania needs to continue to demonstrate leadership in seeking justice for Ukraine and swiftly support Ukraine's positions in all international courts," the justice minister said in a statement. "Russia's actions must be qualified as unprecedented mass violations of human rights. Every case on the loss of innocent lives, injury to people's health, damage to or loss of property, and damage incurred must be assessed."