MFA on the anniversary of the MH17 disaster: the threat from Russia goes far beyond Ukraine

The downing of flight MH17 by Russia 10 years ago showed that Russia's violation of international law and the Kremlin's threat to international law and order goes far beyond Ukraine. This is stated in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in connection with the 10th anniversary of the downing of flight MH17, UNN reports .

The downing of flight MH17 is a horrific act of Russian terror among many committed during the decade of Russian aggression against Ukraine. This crime has demonstrated to the international community that Russia's violation of international law and the threat to international law and order posed by the aggressor goes far beyond Ukraine

The diplomatic department notes that in the ten years since the tragic day, Russia has not found the courage to admit guilt, apologize to the relatives of the victims and the affected countries, or pay compensation. Instead, from the very first day after the tragedy, the Russian propaganda machine launched a systematic campaign of disinformation to avoid responsibility.

Russia and its propagandists continued to lie about MH17 even after the District Court of The Hague established all the true facts and issued a verdict in 2022. Russia struck at the victims of MH17 twice. The first time was with a missile on a civilian airplane. The second time - with lies about their memory and the grief of their loved ones. This is part of Russia's "kill, lie and deny" strategy, which it has applied to thousands of other atrocities committed during its aggression against Ukraine

That is why, as the Foreign Ministry pointed out, it is so important to bring Russia to justice.  Moscow must be deprived of a sense of impunity.

The work of Ukraine, in particular within the Joint Investigation Team, international organizations and international judicial institutions, has been and remains extremely important for restoring justice and safety to international civil aviation.

Addendum

The newly appointed Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp said that his country will continue to make efforts to establish the truth and ensure justice  regarding the downing of flight MH17 10 years ago.