Russia has been held responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which was shot down over eastern Ukraine in July 2014, killing all 298 people on board. The ruling came from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, which determined that the Russian Federation failed to meet its obligations under international air law.

The ICAO Council concluded that Russia had breached the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which prohibits the use of weapons against civilian aircraft in flight. The decision is the latest international condemnation of Russia’s role in the tragedy, despite the Kremlin’s longstanding denial of any involvement.

Flight MH17 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was brought down over the Donbas region — an area caught in conflict between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces at the time. Investigators have found that a Russian-made missile launched from rebel-held territory was responsible for the incident.

Among the victims were 196 Dutch nationals, 38 Australians, 10 Britons, and citizens from Malaysia, Belgium, and other countries.

The case was brought to the UN agency in 2022 by the governments of Australia and the Netherlands. Both nations welcomed the ICAO's ruling.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called on Russia to acknowledge its role and make reparations: “We call upon Russia to finally face up to its responsibility for this horrific act of violence and make reparations for its egregious conduct.”

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp described the decision as a significant step toward justice: “This marks an important step towards establishing the truth and achieving justice and accountability.” He added that the ruling reinforces the principle that “states cannot violate international law with impunity.”

In a related 2022 ruling, a Dutch court found that the plane had been shot down by a missile system operated by a Russian-controlled group. Three individuals — two Russians and a pro-Russian Ukrainian — were convicted of murder in absentia and sentenced to life in prison. However, they have not been extradited and remain free.

The ICAO's decision adds further pressure on Russia to take responsibility for the downing of MH17 and reinforces the international community's call for accountability in the face of violations of civil aviation law.