Wong’s warning to Russia over MH17 downing

Marking 10 years since the horrific downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has reignited her vow to hold Russia to account for the nearly 300 deaths.

The passenger plane, travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, was shot down by a Russian-made surface-to-air missile while flying over eastern Ukraine.

Investigations determined the plane crashed into the Russian-backed and rebel-controlled region of Donetsk, with the attack killing all 298 passengers and crew on the plane, including 38 Australians.

In her speech, Wong said the downing of the plan was “incomprehensible”, and promised to continue to pursue justice against Russia.

“On behalf of the Australian Government, I recommit, again, to our collective pursuit of truth, justice and accountability for the outrages perpetrated on July 17, 2014,” she said.

“I recommit to our ongoing partnership with the Netherlands, which lost nearly 200 nationals, with Malaysia, Belgium and Ukraine.

“Today, we stand with you in your grief and we say to you, it is not your sorrow to bear alone. We stand with you, and we will not forget those we lost on MH17.”

She made the comments at Wednesday’s ceremony commemorating the deaths alongside family and friends of the victims, King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, as well as Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop who were the Australian prime minister and the foreign minister at the time of the downing.

Both the Australian and Dutch governments hold the Russian government responsible for the downing, despite Russia denying any involvement.

In 2022, three men: Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy, and Leonid Kharchenko, were convicted and given life sentences in absentia by a Dutch Court, however they have never been extradited.

“While we are appalled that Russia has withdrawn from the action, Australia and the Netherlands initiated in the international civil aviation organisation, the case will continue,” Senator Wong said.

“We will not be deterred in our commitment to hold Russia to account.”

Julie Bishop, who was the foreign minister at the time of the downing, credited the “painstaking” joint investigation between Australia, the Netherlands, Malaysia and Belgium.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Australia deployed more than 500 staff to a temporary embassy in Ukraine, despite not having a prior diplomatic presence.

“I will never forget the phone call in the early hours of the Friday morning advising me of an incomprehensible situation that was unfolding,” she said, with her speech applauded by attendees.

“I’ll never forget the early phone calls with the family representatives whose, grief was inconsolable.”

About 1500 people filled the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra for the ceremony, before families were invited to a private wreath-laying ceremony at the MH17 memorial plaque.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn acknowledged the “profound grief” of the victim’s family and friends and said it was important for them to reflect and remember.

“The pain and trauma is yours to carry, we cannot lift it from your hearts but we are here today to pay tribute and offer our compassion and care,” she said.

“Today’s commemoration is our promise that even with the passing of time, Australia will not forget you and certainly not those you love and mourn, who are forever in our hearts.”