The International Civil Aviation Organization's decision marks a significant move towards accountability in the MH17 case.
Russia Found Liable for MH17 Downing, Says UN Aviation Agency
Russia Found Liable for MH17 Downing, Says UN Aviation Agency
The UN ruling holds Russia accountable for the tragic 2014 incident over Ukraine.
In a pivotal ruling, the United Nations aviation agency has declared that Russia is responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which tragically resulted in the loss of all 298 lives on board in July 2014. The flight, traveling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was brought down by a missile manufactured in Russia, amidst a regional conflict in eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin has consistently denied any involvement in this atrocity.
On Monday, the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) unanimously voted to establish that the Russian Federation had breached its obligations under international air law. The agency's regulations explicitly require states to refrain from employing weapons against civil aircraft while in flight. The downing of MH17 occurred over the Donbas region, a hotspot for conflict between pro-Russian Militia and Ukrainian forces.
Most of the passengers were from the Netherlands, with 196 among the deceased; others included individuals from Australia, Britain, Belgium, and Malaysia. In 2022, following the in-depth investigation, the Australian and Dutch governments escalated the matter to the UN, which has now acknowledged the seriousness of the incident.
Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, responded to the ICAO's ruling by urging Russia to accept responsibility and offer reparations for this violent act. Similarly, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp emphasized that this decision marks a crucial move towards uncovering the truth and ensuring justice. He stated it sends a clear message that countries cannot violate international laws without facing consequences.
In 2022, a Dutch court reached a verdict declaring that a Russian-controlled faction had taken down the aircraft, leading to the conviction of three individuals—two Russians and a Ukrainian national supportive of Moscow—found guilty of murder in absentia. Although sentenced to life imprisonment, the trio remains free as they have not been extradited to serve their sentences. The families of the victims continue to endure profound suffering, marked by the tragedy of this incident.
