Ambassador Neil Holland marks the 9th anniversary of the downing of flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine and the deaths of 298 people.

This year marked the anniversary of the downing of Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine and the deaths of 298 people from 17 countries, including 10 British nationals. The United Kingdom expresses its deepest condolences to all those who lost their loved ones.

The United Kingdom reiterates its full support for the efforts to pursue truth, justice and accountability, and to provide answers for the friends and families of those who so tragically died. We are grateful in particular for the work and dedication of the Joint Investigation Team.

The conclusion of the trial in the Netherlands last November, and the conviction of three individuals of murder in relation to the downing of MH17, was an important step in securing justice for the families of the victims. However, this process has not finished.

The downing of MH17 was a shocking violation of the international norms which keep our societies safe. It serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of Russia’s actions in Ukraine over many years.

The United Kingdom continues to support the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Australia in their call for the Russian Federation to accept State responsibility for the downing of MH17 and to cooperate fully with all efforts to establish accountability, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2166.

Thank you, Chair.

Photo by British Government, Wikimedia commons.