Russia responsible for downing MH17 over Ukraine in 2014 finds Council of International Civil Aviation Organisation

ICAO Council holds Russia responsible for MH17 downing, raising compensation prospects for victims' families, welcomed by Netherlands and Australia.

The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO Council) on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) found Russia responsible for shooting down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine with the loss of 298 lives more than a decade ago, in a ruling that raises the prospect of victims' families being paid compensation.

A Dutch-led international investigation concluded in 2016 that the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur airliner was shot down on July 17, 2014 from Ukrainian territory held by separatist rebels using a Buk missile system delivered from Russia.

Moscow denies any involvement in the MH17 tragedy.

The Netherlands and Australian governments brought the case against Moscow before the Montreal-based global aviation agency in 2022, and on Tuesday (May 13) welcomed the verdict.

The International Court of Justice wasn't an option, because Russia doesn't recognise The Hague, Netherlands-based court's jurisdiction.

The Council found that Russia had violated the Convention on International Civil Aviation, known as the Chicago Convention, which requires that states “refrain from resorting to the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight.” It’s the first time that the Council, which represents 193 member states, has decided a dispute between Governments.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said that the Council would consider the question of reparations within weeks.