The United Nations civil aviation agency (ICAO) has determined that Russia was responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014 over Ukraine. The incident resulted in the deaths of all 298 passengers and crew.
The ICAO Council, based in Montreal, Canada, supported the claims made by Australia and the Netherlands. The council stated that Russia failed to meet its obligations under international aviation law during the destruction of MH17.
Flight MH17, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down on July 17, 2014, by a Soviet-made BUK missile over the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. A Dutch court previously convicted three men in absentia for the downing. Russia has consistently denied involvement.
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the decision a historic moment in the pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability. The Australian government urged Russia to accept responsibility and repair its conduct as required by international law.
The Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, Caspar Veldkamp, welcomed the decision. He stated that it is an important step toward truth and justice for the families of the victims.