Dutch FM: Russia’s Responsibility for MH17 Downing Is Undeniable
Marking the 11th anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp issued a solemn statement reaffirming the Netherlands’ unwavering pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability.
The Gaze reports this, referring to Veldkamp’s post on social media platform X.
The Boeing 777 was shot down over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014, killing all 298 people on board, including 196 Dutch citizens.
“Even if they can never forget, they deserve peace,” Veldkamp wrote. “Today, I pause to commemorate all 298 people who lost their lives, including 196 Dutch citizens. ½.”
The foreign minister underscored that the Russian Federation’s responsibility for the attack is no longer a matter of debate.
“Russia’s culpability is indisputable. This has been clearly established by the European Court of Human Rights and the International Civil Aviation Organization,” he stated. “The Netherlands remains resolute in its efforts to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for those responsible.”
His comments come in the wake of a historic ruling by the European Court of Human Rights on July 9.
In a sweeping decision in the inter-state case brought by Ukraine and the Netherlands against Russia, the Court found Moscow responsible for systemic violations of the European Convention on Human Rights – both in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war and in the destruction of MH17.
Ukrainian judge Mykola Gnatovskyy hailed the decision as “historic,” noting its significance as likely the most consequential ruling in the ECHR’s history.
Read more on The Gaze: Justice for Ukraine: Can Russia Be Held Accountable for the Crime of Aggression?