The Kremlin has consistently denied responsibility for the incident, labeling the ICAO's findings as biased and asserting that Russia did not participate in the investigation.

This ruling marks a significant moment in addressing accountability for one of the deadliest aviation disasters in history, which resulted in the deaths of 298 people, primarily from the Netherlands and Australia.

This ruling raises the possibility of compensation for the families of the victims, following a Dutch-led investigation that concluded Russia supplied the Buk missile system used in the attack.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has officially held Russia responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014, following a case brought by Australia and the Netherlands.

Legal experts anticipate that the ICAO will recommend that Russia pay reparations for its violations of international law, although the specific reasons for the decision have yet to be published.

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp welcomed the decision as an important step towards truth and justice, although he acknowledged it cannot erase the pain of the victims' families.

Among the victims were 196 Dutch citizens and 38 Australian citizens or residents, prompting calls for reparations from their governments.

Despite the ruling, the Russian government continues to deny involvement in the incident, and it remains uncertain whether they will comply with the ICAO's ruling or engage in negotiations.

Victims' families, such as Dutch father Thomas Schansman, expressed the desire for acknowledgment of Russia's culpability over monetary compensation.

The Russian Embassy in Australia has not yet responded to the ruling, and the full reasoning behind the council's decision is still pending publication.

The ICAO announced that it would assess the appropriate form of compensation for the victims' families in the coming weeks.

This decision, made on May 12, 2025, is unprecedented as it addresses the responsibility of a member state in an air dispute, following complaints from Australia and the Netherlands.