KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — The United Nations (UN) aviation council has ruled that Russia was responsible for the downing of a Malaysian airliner over Ukraine, which killed all 298 people on board, including 196 Dutch nationals and 38 Australian citizens or residents, according to statements from the Dutch and Australian governments, as reported by Reuters.
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — The United Nations (UN) aviation council has ruled that Russia was responsible for the downing of a Malaysian airliner over Ukraine, which killed all 298 people on board, including 196 Dutch nationals and 38 Australian citizens or residents, according to statements from the Dutch and Australian governments, as reported by Reuters.
The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is expected to consider potential forms of reparation in the coming weeks, both governments stated.
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, when it was shot down over eastern Ukraine during intense conflict between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces.
In November 2022, Dutch judges found two Russian nationals and one Ukrainian guilty of murder in absentia for their roles in the attack.
Russia has rejected the ICAO ruling as “scandalous” and has stated it will not extradite its citizens, Reuters added.
The case was jointly brought to the ICAO in 2022 by Australia and the Netherlands.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp described the decision as a significant step towards uncovering the truth and securing justice and accountability for the victims and their families.
“This ruling also delivers a clear message to the global community: violations of international law cannot go unpunished,” he said.
Veldkamp added that the Netherlands and Australia are urging the ICAO Council to require Russia to begin talks on reparations.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong also welcomed the decision, urging the ICAO to promptly determine appropriate remedies.
“We call on Russia to finally acknowledge its responsibility for this heinous act and to provide reparations as mandated under international law,” Wong said.
While the ICAO does not have enforcement powers, it wields significant moral influence and sets global aviation standards followed by its 193 member states, the report noted.
Bernama has contacted Malaysia Airlines for a response. — Bernama
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