On 17 July 2026, the European Union marked the 12th anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, honouring the 298 victims and reiterating its call on Russia to accept responsibility and cooperate with efforts to establish truth, justice and accountability. In a statement issued by the High Representative on behalf of the EU, the bloc expressed full support for all efforts in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2166.
the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) of 9 July 2025, which held Russia responsible for the downing and for violating the European Convention on Human Rights, and the decision of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of 12 May 2025, which concluded that Russia breached the prohibition on using weapons against civil aircraft in flight. On 30 June 2025, the ICAO Council ordered Australia, the Netherlands, and Russia to enter into good faith negotiations on full reparations. Australia and the Netherlands formally requested negotiations in August 2025, but Russia has not responded. Instead, on 18 September 2025, Russia filed proceedings against Australia and the Netherlands before the International Court of Justice, appealing the ICAO Council's decision.
The EU called on Russia to accept its responsibility and fully cooperate with efforts to serve justice, noting that the ECtHR will now determine the consequences of the violations and damages payable.