On Monday, the UN aviation council determined that Russia was accountable for the downing of a Malaysian airliner over Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of all 298 individuals on board, which included 196 Dutch nationals and 38 citizens or residents of Australia, according to separate statements from the Dutch and Australian governments.
Both governments indicated that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council will discuss appropriate forms of compensation in the weeks ahead.
Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 took off from Amsterdam on July 17, 2014, heading to Kuala Lumpur, when it was shot down amid ongoing conflict between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine.
In November 2022, Dutch judges sentenced two Russians and a Ukrainian to prison in absentia for their involvement in the incident. Moscow condemned the ruling as “scandalous” and announced that it would not extradite its citizens.
The ICAO, headquartered in Montreal, has not yet responded to a request for comment. The investigation was initiated in 2022 by Australia and the Netherlands.
“Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated that the ruling represents a significant advancement toward uncovering the truth and securing justice and accountability for the victims of Flight MH17 and their families.”
“This ruling also conveys a strong message to the global community: Nations cannot breach international law without facing consequences,” he added.
The Netherlands and Australia are urging the ICAO Council to compel Russia to engage in discussions regarding reparations, he mentioned.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed her government’s support for the decision and called on the ICAO to act promptly in determining remedies.
“We urge Russia to acknowledge its responsibility for this appalling act of violence and to provide reparations for its serious misconduct, as mandated by international law,” Wong stated.
While the ICAO lacks regulatory authority, it possesses moral influence and establishes global aviation standards that are largely accepted by its 193 member states.
