Russia and the European Convention (or Court) of Human Rights: The End?

Russia has been a member of the Council Europe (CoE) for 25 years, and European Convention on Human Rights ( ECHR ) 22 which is in itself remarkable achievement both sides. This article asks questions: how this possible? And close mostly positive relationship between Court (ECtHR) about to come an end? In order answer these questions, I first provide overview USSR’s late acknowledgment need compliance its internal affairs with UN standards, especially contribution Mikhail Gorbachev. follow account Russia’s accession CoE ratification under Boris Yeltsin, snapshot popularity Russians complaining Strasbourg. Second, turn very controversial rulings by Constitutional Russian Federation (CCRF) new legislation question CCRF ruling “impossibility” implementing judgments ECtHR. Third, analyse Yukos case. was fact second last until now such impossibility. Fourth, Parliamentary Assembly imposed sanctions following illegal annexation Crimea. seemed poised leave or be expelled from CoE. But 2019 deal done. Fifth, ask whether President Putin’s 2020 amendments 1993 Constitution really pose threat continuing .