Over 11 Years After Tragedy, Russia Held Accountable for MH17 Downing by UN Aviation Body
More than 11 years after the devastating tragedy, an aviation commission has officially placed responsibility for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 squarely on Russia.
On Monday, the United Nations Aviation Council declared that Russia was to blame for the missile attack that resulted in the loss of 298 lives, including 196 Dutch nationals and 38 Australian citizens or residents. The flight was shot down over eastern Ukraine as it was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, amid fierce clashes between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council, which has been closely involved in the investigation, is expected to determine the compensation needed in the coming weeks.
Russia and Its Citizens Face Growing Accountability Over MH17 Tragedy
In November 2022, Dutch authorities found two Russian nationals and a Ukrainian man guilty of murder in absentia for their role in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, a verdict that has further intensified the ongoing international battle for justice.
Moscow quickly rejected the ruling, declaring it “scandalous” and reiterating its stance of not extraditing its citizens.
The case, which was initiated by Australia and the Netherlands in 2022, has drawn widespread attention, though a request for comment from the Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was not immediately answered. The ICAO is expected to play a crucial role in determining the next steps, particularly concerning compensation for the victims’ families.
In response to the ruling, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp called the decision a pivotal moment for both the victims and international law. “This decision is a significant step towards truth, justice, and accountability for the victims of Flight MH17, as well as their families and loved ones,” he stated. “It also sends a powerful message that states cannot flout international law with impunity.”
Veldkamp emphasized that the Netherlands and Australia are urging the ICAO Council to push for Russia to enter restitution talks regarding the downing of MH17.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed these sentiments, applauding the ruling and calling on the ICAO to take swift action. “We call upon Russia to face up to its responsibility for this horrific act of violence and provide reparations as required under international law,” Wong stated.
Despite its lack of formal regulatory power, the ICAO holds significant moral influence and plays a key role in shaping international aviation standards. The organization’s 193 member nations widely respect its authority.
In 2023, Australia imposed sanctions on three individuals linked to the attack, including convicted criminals Leonid Kharchenko, a Ukrainian national, and Sergey Dubinskiy, a Russian. Both men were sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in the missile strike that brought down MH17.
Sergey Muchkaev, a Russian colonel and former commander of the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade that provided the Buk-TELAR missile system used in the attack, was also sanctioned by Australia. Muchkaev, who oversaw the missile system in July 2014, continues to be a key target in the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
Additionally, Australia imposed sanctions on Igor Girkin in 2014 for his role in aiding separatist movements in eastern Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong stressed the significance of these actions, stating, “These sanctions demonstrate the Australian government’s unwavering commitment to holding those responsible for downing Flight MH17 accountable.”
Wong concluded, “Australia remains dedicated to seeking truth, justice, and accountability for the victims, and will continue to explore all available options to achieve this goal.”