The UN agency's decision underscores the ongoing pursuit of justice for the 298 lives lost in the 2014 aviation disaster.
Russia Held Responsible for MH17 Tragedy by UN Agency
Russia Held Responsible for MH17 Tragedy by UN Agency
A definitive ruling from the UN aviation agency places blame for the downing of MH17 on Russia.
In a significant development, the United Nations' aviation body has formally held Russia accountable for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which tragically resulted in the death of all 298 passengers on board in July 2014. The flight, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down by a Russian-made missile over eastern Ukraine amid a violent conflict involving pro-Russian rebels and Ukrainian forces.
The Kremlin has consistently denied any involvement in the incident, but on Monday, the UN's Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ruled that Russia had failed to meet its international obligations, particularly the requirement to avoid using weapons against civil aircraft in flight.
Reflecting the diverse nationalities of the victims, 196 aboard the ill-fated flight were Dutch, with others from Australia, the UK, Belgium, and Malaysia. The Australian and Dutch governments, which brought the case to the UN in 2022, praised the ICAO ruling. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for Russia to accept responsibility and provide reparations, describing the situation as a "horrific act of violence." The Dutch Foreign Minister, Caspar Veldkamp, asserted the ruling was a crucial step toward truth and justice, emphasizing that states should not be able to violate international law without facing consequences.
In a previous court ruling in the Netherlands, a Russian-controlled group was found guilty of downing MH17, with three individuals convicted of murder in absentia. Despite life sentences, the convicted individuals have not been extradited or served their terms, leaving families in continuous distress. With this new ruling, the call for accountability resonates more strongly within the international community.
The Kremlin has consistently denied any involvement in the incident, but on Monday, the UN's Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ruled that Russia had failed to meet its international obligations, particularly the requirement to avoid using weapons against civil aircraft in flight.
Reflecting the diverse nationalities of the victims, 196 aboard the ill-fated flight were Dutch, with others from Australia, the UK, Belgium, and Malaysia. The Australian and Dutch governments, which brought the case to the UN in 2022, praised the ICAO ruling. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for Russia to accept responsibility and provide reparations, describing the situation as a "horrific act of violence." The Dutch Foreign Minister, Caspar Veldkamp, asserted the ruling was a crucial step toward truth and justice, emphasizing that states should not be able to violate international law without facing consequences.
In a previous court ruling in the Netherlands, a Russian-controlled group was found guilty of downing MH17, with three individuals convicted of murder in absentia. Despite life sentences, the convicted individuals have not been extradited or served their terms, leaving families in continuous distress. With this new ruling, the call for accountability resonates more strongly within the international community.
