Kathrine Frich
Russia dismissed the verdict as “scandalous” and has refused to extradite the convicted individuals.
Russia dismissed the verdict as “scandalous” and has refused to extradite the convicted individuals.
the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has found Russia responsible for the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, which killed all 298 people onboard.
Nearly 300 Lives Lost in the Sky Over Ukraine
Flight MH17, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down on July 17, 2014, during intense fighting between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces.
Among the victims were 196 Dutch citizens and 38 Australian nationals or residents.
Australia and the Netherlands Brought the Case
The case was initiated in 2022 by the governments of Australia and the Netherlands, both seeking accountability for what they have consistently described as a violation of international law.
The ICAO’s ruling now marks a major milestone in their pursuit of justice.
Compensation Talks Should Begin
Following the ruling, both governments announced that the ICAO Council will now consider what form compensation should take.
They are urging the body to push Russia into negotiations to provide reparations to the victims’ families.
Russians and Ukrainian Found Guilty
In 2022, a Dutch court convicted three men, two Russian nationals and one Ukrainian, in absentia for their role in the attack.
Russia dismissed the verdict as “scandalous” and has refused to extradite the convicted individuals.
Dutch Foreign Minister Responds
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp hailed the decision as an important step toward justice.
He stressed that the ruling reinforces the principle that states violating international law must be held accountable for their actions.
Australia Echoes Call for Reparations
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed the ICAO’s judgment, stating it was time for Russia to take responsibility and compensate the victims’ families.
She called on ICAO to act swiftly in defining the next steps.
ICAO’s Influence Is Moral, Not Legal
Although the ICAO does not have the power to enforce rulings, it holds significant moral authority.
Its aviation safety standards are widely respected and adopted by nearly all of its 193 member states.
Moscow Silent as ICAO Considers Next Steps
The Montreal-based ICAO has yet to issue a public statement on the ruling.
Meanwhile, the global community is watching closely to see whether Russia will engage in any formal process following the damning decision.
