Kremlin Rejects UN Ruling Holding Russia Responsible for 2014 MH17 Downing

The United Nations aviation agency ruled that Russia was responsible for the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, which killed all 298 people aboard, including many Dutch and Australian citizens. The UN's Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization found that Russia violated international air law by firing a Russian-made missile at the civilian aircraft during conflict between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces. Australia and the Netherlands brought the case to the UN, with Australia calling on Russia to accept responsibility and make reparations. In response, the Kremlin strongly rejected the ruling as biased, emphasizing that Russia did not participate in the investigation and thus cannot accept its conclusions. Russia also dismissed a 2022 Dutch court conviction of two Russians and one Ukrainian in absentia for murder related to the attack, calling it scandalous and refusing extradition. The incident continues to strain international relations amid ongoing conflict in the region.