Australia has joined the United Nations’ aviation agency in pressing Russia to negotiate reparations for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
Over ten years have passed since the tragic incident, which saw the flight shot down over eastern Ukraine, claiming the lives of all 298 people on board. Among the victims were 38 Australians. Despite comprehensive investigations by both official bodies and independent journalists attributing blame to Russia, the Kremlin has yet to provide any compensation to the victims’ families.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that Australia is prepared to take part in negotiations.
“The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council has directed Russia to enter discussions with Australia and the Netherlands to secure full reparations for MH17,” she stated on social media.
“Australia welcomes this decision and stands ready to engage. We urge Russia to comply and provide reparations for this terrible act.
“Our commitment to truth, justice, and accountability for the 298 victims — including 38 Australians — remains steadfast.”
Earlier this year, ICAO determined that Russia violated international law by deploying weapons against a civilian aircraft in flight. Australia and the Netherlands, who led the global investigation, initiated the legal case through ICAO in 2022.
Investigators concluded that MH17 was brought down by a Russian-made missile fired from a launcher transported from Russia into eastern Ukraine and operated by pro-Russian separatists.
In 2022, a Dutch court found three individuals — two Russians and one pro-Moscow Ukrainian separatist — guilty of murder in absentia. One of them, Igor Girkin, was a key figure among Russian-backed forces in the Donetsk region. Girkin has since been arrested and sentenced to four years in prison for inciting extremism after falling out with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
