This article addresses the problems arising from the impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Chechnya. 1 International criminal jurisdiction over such crimes is impossible with Russia's veto in the United Nations Security Council and non‐membership in the International Criminal Court. The victims may approach Russian prosecutors and courts, and if they cannot get remedies, they may apply to the European Court of Human Rights, which recently has found repeated and serious violations and ordered Russia to pay compensation. However, these are of little relief: they come in a limited number of cases, usually many years after the crimes and do not ensue in individual accountability. The continuing impunity creates a cycle of revenge and maintains high conflict potential in Chechnya. It also spreads criminality all over Russia, the military and police, after serving in Chechnya, bring the ‘impunity syndrome’ home with them.