EU Calls on Russia to Take Responsibility for MH17 Downing on Its 10th Anniversary

On July 17, The European Union (EU) commemorated the 10th anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, a tragedy that claimed the lives of 298 people, including 80 children, from 17 different countries.

“The ten-year commemoration brings back very painful memories,” the EU stated, offering its deepest condolences to the victims' families and friends.

The EU issued a statement, calling on Russia to acknowledge its role in the tragedy and fully cooperate in pursuing justice for the victims, and reaffirmed its unwavering support for efforts seeking truth, justice, and accountability for the MH17 tragedy, aligning with UN Security Council Resolution 2166.

The statement also acknowledged the ongoing legal proceedings initiated by the Netherlands against Russia at the European Court of Human Rights and by Australia and the Netherlands before the ICAO Council.

The EU highlighted the recent conviction of three individuals by the District Court of The Hague for their involvement in the downing. Additionally, they emphasized the evidence presented by the Joint Investigation Team, which definitively linked the BUK surface-to-air missile system used to bring down MH17 to the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

“Russia’s disinformation efforts cannot change these basic facts established by a court of law,” the EU declared.

Earlier, on July 13, the Dutch officials acknowledged considering the possibility of military intervention into the MH17 crash zone following the 2014 downing of the Malaysian Boeing over Donetsk.