EU once again calls on Russia to accept its responsibility for MH17 tragedy

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, the European Union condemned the actions of Russia and its accomplices and once again called on the Russian Federation to accept its responsibility for this tragedy.

That's according to a statement issued by the EU High Representative on behalf of all 27 member states of the European Union, published on the website of the European Council on July 16, Ukrinform reports.

"The European Union reiterates its full support for all efforts to establish truth, justice and accountability, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2166. […]The European Union reiterates its call on the Russian Federation to accept its responsibility in this tragedy and to cooperate fully in serving justice," the document reads.

According to the EU High Representative, on July 17, Europeans honor the memory of the 298 innocent people, including 80 children, of 17 nationalities who lost their lives in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 ten years ago.

"The ten-year commemoration brings back very painful memories. We renew our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims," the statement said.

The document recalls that on November 17, 2022, the District Court of The Hague sentenced three individuals to life imprisonment for their role in the downing of Flight MH17. The European Union emphasizes that the evidence presented by the Joint Investigation Team in the proceedings before the Dutch District Court, and submitted to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), makes it abundantly clear that the BUK surface-to-air missile system used to bring down Flight MH17 belonged beyond doubt to the armed forces of the Russian Federation..

"No Russian disinformation operation can distract from these basic facts, established by a court of law," the statement said.

According to the document, the European Union takes note of the proceedings initiated by the Netherlands against the Russian Federation at the ECHR, as well as the proceedings initiated by Australia and the Netherlands before the ICAO Council, which are important steps towards achieving truth, justice and accountability.