Image Source: CNN (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image/AP)
Relatives of the victims of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which was tragically shot down over Ukraine, gathered at Australia’s Parliament House to mark the 10th anniversary of the disaster that claimed 298 lives. Paul attributed the missile strike to the conflict in eastern Ukraine at the time, expressing his sorrow that the conflict persisted without acknowledgment of wrongdoing and responsibility from Russia.
The incident, initially thought to be a tragic mistake amidst a conflict, escalated into a full-scale war with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The area where the missile was launched and where much of the debris fell is now under Russian military control, despite Moscow’s persistent denial of involvement and refusal to extradite those convicted in absentia for the attack.
Australia, along with the Netherlands and other nations, continues to pursue justice through international legal avenues like the International Civil Aviation Organization Council (ICAO), despite Russia’s recent withdrawal from proceedings.
Simultaneously, a commemoration was held in the Netherlands, where 298 trees symbolizing each victim were planted near Schiphol Airport. Tony Abbott, Australia’s prime minister at the time of the tragedy, recalled the tense encounter with Russian President Vladimir Putin over MH17 at an international summit, highlighting Putin’s defensive and aggressive responses.
The international investigation, backed by the UN Security Council, concluded that the missile system belonged to the Russian military, further complicating diplomatic relations. Abbott reflected on Putin’s nationalist rhetoric and lamented the international community’s failure to provide adequate support to Ukraine in the aftermath.
Overall, the anniversary served as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing quest for justice amidst geopolitical tensions and diplomatic challenges.
