Russia rejects ICAO ruling on 2014 Malaysia Airlines crash case

IANS May 14, 2025 242 views

Russia has vehemently rejected the ICAO's ruling that implicates it in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, which killed 298 people. The Russian Foreign Ministry declared the ruling "illegitimate," arguing it breached international aviation conventions due to an alleged biased approach. Moscow has criticized the ICAO Council for siding with Australia and the Netherlands without conducting an independent investigation. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s position, highlighting its claim of being excluded from the original investigative process.

"Russia will not recognise the Council's ruling. It is illegitimate." - Russian Foreign Ministry
Moscow, May 14: The Kremlin has rejected the ruling of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council, which placed the responsibility for the 2014 Malaysia Airlines crash on Russia.

Key Points

1

ICAO accuses Russia over MH17 crash

2

Russia cites procedural bias in ICAO investigation

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Moscow claims airspace closure failure by Kyiv in MH17 case

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Kremlin calls ICAO findings prejudiced

The UN body, ICAO, recently alleged that Russia was responsible for the July 17, 2014, downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine that killed all 298 people on board.

"Russia will not recognise the Council's ruling. It is illegitimate and violates the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and its own rule of procedure. Unlike the biased majority on the Council, Russia remains committed to UN Security Council resolution 2166 (2014) and the cause of identifying the real causes of the air crash," the country's foreign ministry said.

The ministry denied any involvement of Russia in the Malaysia Airlines crash.

"Last year, on June 17, 2024, Russia halted its participation in this investigation because it was impossible to ensure the unbiasedness of the probe amid numerous procedural violations by the ICAO Council and Secretariat. Moscow's principles position, however, remains unchanged -- Russia has nothing to do with the MH17 crash and all allegations otherwise by Australia and the Netherlands are in opposition to the facts," it said.

"Prior to this, Russia presented to the Council convincing factual and legal evidence of its noninvolvement in the crash and shared this data with all member countries of the Council. It was Kyiv that refused to close the airspace over the combat operations zone and used civilian passenger aircraft, such as MH17, as a shield for its bombers," the ministry asserted.

Earlier on Tuesday, addressing a press briefing, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia sees the findings of an investigation into the MH17 crash as biased and does not accept them.

"I am not going to comment on this. Our position is well known. Russia was not among the parties that took part in investigating the accident. This is why we don't accept any of the prejudiced conclusions," the Russian presidential spokesman noted.

Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry stressed that Moscow had several times suggested that the Council conduct a thorough and independent international investigation of the MH17 crash in line with UNSC resolution.

"But being guided by political motives and in violation of the established procedure, the Council refused to conduct such an investigation and instead took for granted Australia's and the Netherlands' allegations and the findings of the joint investigative team, which includes Australia, the Netherlands, and Ukraine, or countries that are directly interested in demonising Russia," the ministry noted.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
This shows how international bodies are becoming increasingly politicized. While we may never know the full truth, Russia's point about Ukraine keeping airspace open deserves consideration. India should be cautious about blindly accepting such rulings - remember how we were treated after Pulwama.
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Priya M.
Very tragic incident but why is this news coming up after 10 years? Seems like someone wants to keep Russia in bad light during ongoing Ukraine war. As Indians we know how Western media works - remember their coverage of Kashmir? 🙄
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Arjun S.
Russia makes valid points about procedural violations. In any investigation, due process must be followed. The families of victims deserve truth, not politicized conclusions. Hope India maintains balanced position on this as we have good relations with both Russia and Malaysia.
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Sunita R.
Whatever the truth may be, 298 innocent lives were lost and that's heartbreaking 💔. Instead of blame games, all countries should work together to prevent such tragedies in future. Civilian aircraft should never become casualties of war.
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Vikram J.
Interesting how Russia mentions UNSC resolution 2166 but rejects ICAO ruling. Both are UN bodies no? Selective acceptance of international norms doesn't help anyone. As a rising power, India should advocate for consistent application of international law.
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Neha P.
The timing is suspicious - right when Russia is gaining upper hand in Ukraine conflict. Western powers using every opportunity to isolate Moscow. But truth matters more than geopolitics. Hope proper evidence comes out someday for victims' families.

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Tags:
Russia ICAO Malaysia Airlines MH17 Crash Moscow News International Relations