Following a recent vote, the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization has declared Russia accountable for the downing of MH17 over Ukraine, urging the Kremlin to acknowledge its actions and provide reparations. The ruling follows a prior conviction of individuals associated with the incident, underscoring the international responsibility regarding air safety.
UN Confirms Russia's Role in MH17 Downing, Calls for Accountability
UN Confirms Russia's Role in MH17 Downing, Calls for Accountability
The United Nations aviation agency has ruled that Russia was responsible for shooting down Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in 2014, demanding accountability.
The United Nations aviation agency has officially stated that Russia was responsible for the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in 2014. The incident occurred over eastern Ukraine, resulting in the tragic loss of all 298 passengers and crew members aboard. Despite ongoing denials from the Kremlin, the ruling highlights Russia's failure to adhere to international air law.
On Monday, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) made the determination during a council vote, asserting that Russia did not fulfill its obligations to protect civil aviation. The law states that nations must refrain from using weaponry against aircraft in flight.
Flight MH17 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was struck by a Russian-made missile, amid conflict between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels. The affected passengers included a significant number from the Netherlands, as well as Australians, British citizens, and others from various nationalities.
The initiative presented to the UN was led by the Australian and Dutch governments last year. Following the ICAO's ruling, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for Russia to confront its responsibility and provide reparations for its actions. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp emphasized that the decision was a crucial move towards justice and accountability, signaling that violations of international law cannot occur without consequences.
In 2022, a Dutch court had previously ruled that a Russian-controlled group was responsible for the downing of the flight. Three individuals were convicted of murder in absentia, receiving life sentences, although none have yet served time due to lack of extradition. The incident serves as a haunting reminder of the need for international norms governing air travel safety and accountability amidst geopolitical conflicts.
