International organization determines Russia liable for 2014 crash of aircraft in Ukrainian skies
Updated Scenario:
Two nations, Australia and the Netherlands, hard-hit by the MH17 catastrophe, have called on Russia to take responsibility and compensate them. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), based in Montreal, has backed these claims, labeling them as "well-founded in fact and in law."
The ICAO stated that Russia violated its responsibilities under international air law when MH17 was shot down in 2014. This is the first time in ICAO's history that its council has made a determination on the merits of a dispute between member states.
Russia, denying any involvement in the disaster, dismissed the ICAO's "biased conclusions" as they did not participate in the investigation. On July 17, 2014, a Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 was struck by a Russian-made BUK surface-to-air missile over eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, causing 298 casualties.
Dutch nationals made up two-thirds of the victims, along with 38 Australians, about 30 Malaysians, and many with dual nationalities. Then-Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko deemed it a "terrorist act." Pro-Russian rebels in the area claimed the airliner was downed by a Ukrainian military jet, while Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted Ukraine took responsibility.
In 2022, a Dutch court sentenced three men to life in prison over the downing, including two Russians, but Russia declined to extradite them. In 2023, an international team of investigators from five countries proclaimed "strong indications" that Putin approved the delivery of the missile that brought down the jetliner.
Last year, investigators suspended their probe, citing a lack of evidence to identify additional suspects. However, in 2025, the ICAO Council voted that Russia breached international air law. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha hailed this as a step towards justice for the crime.
Australia and the Netherlands celebrate the ICAO's decision, demanding action against Russia. France also welcomed the ruling, viewing it as a violation of international law by Russia. The ICAO council will decide in the coming weeks on the manner of legal redress.
Bonus Insights:
- The ruling by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) marks a significant moment in holding Russia accountable for its role in the downing of MH17.
- France's endorsement of the ICAO's decision upholds their support for international actions seeking justice for the MH17 tragedy.
- The ICAO's ruling against Russia follows extensive investigations and written submissions, with a formal document detailing the reasons behind the council's conclusions expected to be released at a later meeting.
- The ICAO's decision in 2025, stating that Russia breached international air law, has been hailed as a step towards justice for the downing of MH17, with Australia and the Netherlands celebrating the ruling and demanding action against Russia.
- France also welcomed the ICAO's ruling, viewing it as a violation of international law by Russia and upholding their support for international actions seeking justice for the MH17 tragedy.
- The ICAO's ruling against Russia follows extensive investigations and written submissions, with a formal document detailing the reasons behind the council's conclusions expected to be released at a later meeting.
- In 2022, a Dutch court sentenced three men to life in prison over the downing, including two Russians, but Russia declined to extradite them, adding to the increasing international pressure on Russia over its role in the downing of MH17 and its accountability for justice.
