Current Issue “Twelve years since the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17” (raised by the delegation of the Netherlands)
Statement by H.E Ambassador Ian Biggs, Australia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna
16 July 2026
Tomorrow marks 12 years since the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over Donetsk Oblast in Eastern Ukraine. We remember the 298 passengers and crew who tragically lost their lives, including 38 who called Australia home.
Along with our international partners, Australia remains steadfast in the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability on behalf of the victims of the downing of Flight MH17, pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2166 (2014).
In the 12 years since this horrific act, the Russian Federation has been found responsible for the downing of Flight MH17, and for the deaths of all those on board.
The Russian Federation’s responsibility was determined by both the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) last year.
The Russian Federation must acknowledge and accept responsibility for downing Flight MH17 and make reparations for its egregious conduct, as required under international law.
Despite Australia and the Netherlands requesting, in good faith, that the Russian Federation enter into negotiations to resolve matters of reparations and other legal consequences, the Russian Federation has thus far refused to respond to these requests.
The Russian Federation has now appealed the decision of the ICAO Council to the International Court of Justice.
Australia will not be deterred and remains steadfast in our pursuit of truth, justice and accountability on behalf of the victims and their next of kin.
Australia takes this opportunity to reaffirm its ongoing partnership with the Netherlands, which lost nearly 200 nationals in the downing of Flight MH17, and with other grieving nations.
We must ensure that such an act is never repeated. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives 12 years ago, and with their families and loved ones.
Thank you, Chair.