UN body rules Russia responsible for downing of MH17

The United Nations aviation agency has ruled that Russia was responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in Ukraine in 2014.

A majority of UN's Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council States decided that the Russian Federation breached Article 3bis of the Chicago Convention by using weapons against civil aircraft in flight which led to the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 in July 2014.

All 298 people on board were killed when the plane was hit by a Russian-made missile as it was travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

A dutch court ruled in 2022 that a Russian-controlled group was responsible for the downing of the plane - two Russians and a Ukrainian were convicted in absentia of murder. They have not served any time in prison.

In a statement, the UK government said: "Through this decision, the ICAO Council upholds respect for the Convention on International Civil Aviation and sets out important expectations in relation to the obligations on States to create safer skies and, moreover, that those who violate the rules set out under this Convention will be held to account.

"Most importantly, this decision helps secures justice for the families of the 298 people lost as a result of the downing of flight MH17, including 10 UK citizens, on 17 July 2014. It is also a salient reminder of Russia’s reckless and dangerous behaviour and its callous disregard for civilian lives.

"This is the first time the ICAO Council has taken a decision on the merits of an ICAO international legal dispute in its 80-year history, and the UK congratulates the clear leadership provided by ICAO to ensure the case was progressed robustly and transparently. The UK remains committed to supporting ICAO in its endeavours to uphold international law and to ensure our skies remain safe and secure."