UN Aviation Body Holds Russia Responsible for MH17 Tragedy

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UN Aviation Body Holds Russia Responsible for MH17 Tragedy

 

More than a decade after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, the United Nations’ aviation agency has delivered a landmark decision, ruling that Russia was responsible for the catastrophic event. The ruling by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) found that the Russian Federation failed to meet its international legal obligations to safeguard civilian aircraft.

 

 

MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, when it was struck by a Russian-made missile while passing over the Donbas region, a conflict zone where pro-Russian separatists were engaged in combat with Ukrainian forces. All 298 people on board perished in the disaster. The passengers included 196 Dutch nationals, 38 Australians, 10 British citizens, as well as several Belgian and Malaysian passengers.

 

 

Despite overwhelming evidence presented in multiple investigations, the Kremlin has consistently denied any role in the downing of the aircraft. However, the ICAO’s decision reinforces the findings of a Dutch court in 2022, which concluded that the plane was brought down by a Russian-controlled group. That court convicted two Russian nationals and one pro-Moscow Ukrainian of murder in absentia, sentencing them to life imprisonment. None of the individuals has been extradited, and they remain free.

 

The case before the UN agency was initiated in 2022 by the governments of Australia and the Netherlands, who have long sought accountability for the deaths of their citizens. Reacting to the ICAO’s ruling, Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong declared, “We call upon Russia to finally face up to its responsibility for this horrific act of violence and make reparations for its egregious conduct.”

 

Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp described the decision as a crucial moment in the pursuit of truth and justice. “It marked an important step towards establishing the truth and achieving justice and accountability,” he said. Veldkamp also emphasized the wider implications of the ICAO’s ruling, stating that “states cannot violate international law with impunity.”

 

The ICAO’s resolution specifically cited Russia’s breach of Article 3 bis of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which obliges countries to avoid using weapons against civil aircraft in flight. Although the decision does not carry direct enforcement powers or criminal penalties, it carries significant moral and diplomatic weight, further isolating Moscow on the global stage.

 

This latest ruling adds to the mounting international condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and in the skies above it. It also reinforces ongoing calls for compensation and accountability, both for the victims’ families and for the global community, which continues to reckon with the consequences of the incident.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC  2025-05-14

 

 

[stevenl]

And there are no consequences.

[spidermike007]

A ruling against the immoral regime of Putin could be a good thing. Any egg on their face is well deserved. 

[billd766]

Of course Russia would deny that they shot down Malaysia flight MH17.

 

They would hardly be likely to admit it.

[Watawattana]

If there's enough evidence then a trip to the ICC for Vlad?

[Kiwiken]

29 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

If there's enough evidence then a trip to the ICC for Vlad?

And a short drop from a rope. But hey they can send a strong letter?

[Tug]

1 hour ago, Kiwiken said:

And a short drop from a rope. But hey they can send a strong letter?

I think the garrote would do nicely.but I’d settle for a flying lesson.

[johng]

2 hours ago, Watawattana said:

If there's enough evidence then a trip to the ICC for Vlad?

 Neither Russia or the US  recognise the ICC.

[billd766]

1 hour ago, Tug said:

I think the garrote would do nicely.but I’d settle for a flying lesson.

There may always be "Madame la Guillotine" lying around in France somewhere thogh it may be hard to find enough ladies to do the knitting nowadays.

[Watawattana]

5 hours ago, johng said:

 Neither Russia or the US  recognise the ICC.

Neither does the Philippines but the ICC got Duterte. My understanding is that the ICC has no jurisdiction on Putin for anything in Russia, but does for actions in Ukraine. 

[OneManShow]

12 hours ago, stevenl said:

And there are no consequences.

Any consequences for "Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752" ? Hit by Iran's revolutionary guard missile. Of course no consequences. 

[dinsdale]

Interesting timing.

[VBer]

32 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

Neither does the Philippines but the ICC got Duterte.

It’s just one politician got rid from another politician, by suddenly following ICC decision.

[dinsdale]

8 hours ago, billd766 said:

Of course Russia would deny that they shot down Malaysia flight MH17.

 

They would hardly be likely to admit it.

By Russia are you saying Putin gave the go signal to shoot this plane down? As I recall, for some reason this flight was flying over an active war zone.

"a Dutch court in 2022, which concluded that the plane was brought down by a Russian-controlled group. That court convicted two Russian nationals and one pro-Moscow Ukrainian of murder in absentia, sentencing them to life imprisonment. None of the individuals has been extradited, and they remain free."

Putin did it? No. Idiots brought it down with a Buk 9M38 surface-to-air missile.

[Watawattana]

11 minutes ago, VBer said:

It’s just one politician got rid from another politician, by suddenly following ICC decision.

Yeah, true. The Filipino electorate had their say on what Marcos did though. 

[bendejo]

Only took nine years to figure this out.

Who made the judgement call, Merrick Garland?