Australia echoes global demand for Russia to pay for MH17 flight downing

More than a decade after 38 Australians were killed in the downing of MH17, Russia has still not paid a cent to families.

Australia has joined the UN’s aviation watchdog in demanding Russia negotiate reparations for the downing of MH17.

More than a decade has passed since the Malaysia Airlines flight was shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on-board.

Despite extensive official and journalist-led investigations putting the blame firmly on the Russian government, the Kremlin has not paid a cent in compensation, including to the families of the 38 Australians killed.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said overnight that “Australia stands ready to engage”.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia ‘stands ready’ to negotiate with Russia on reparations for MH17. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman / NewsWire

“The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council has ordered Russia to negotiate with Australia and the Netherlands on full reparations for the downing of Flight MH17,” she posted on social media.

“We welcome this decision, and Australia stands ready to engage.

“We call on Russia to comply and make reparations for this horrific act.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to truth, justice and accountability for the 298 victims – including 38 who called Australia home – and their families and loved ones.”

The ICAO Council has ordered Russia to negotiate with Australia and the Netherlands on full reparations for the downing of Flight MH17.

Australia calls on Russia to comply with the Council’s decision, in accordance with its obligations under international law. pic.twitter.com/MrAWVagKKi

— Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 🇦🇺 (@dfat) July 2, 2025

Earlier this year, ICAO declared Russia breached international law by using weapons against civil aircraft in flight.

Australia and the Netherlands, which led the international investigation, launched the case with ICAO in 2022.

Investigators have found MH17 was shot down using a Russian-made missile.

It was fired from a launcher transported from Russia to eastern Ukraine and operated by pro-Russian separatists.

All 298 people on-board flight MH17 were killed. Picture: Dominique Faget / AFP

A Dutch court has convicted in absentia two Russians and a pro-Moscow Ukrainian separatist of murder. Picture: Australian Federal Police

In 2022, a Dutch court convicted in absentia two Russians and a pro-Moscow Ukrainian separatist of murder in 2022.

One of the men, Igor Girkin, was the head of Russia’s proxies in the mostly occupied Ukrainian region of Donetsk.

He has since fallen out with Vladimir Putin and been arrested and sentenced to four years in prison for inciting extremism.

Originally published as Australia echoes global demand for Russia to pay for MH17 flight downing