THE European Union (EU) reiterates its full support for all efforts to ascertain the truth behind the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, and to seek justice for the 298 victims onboard as well as their next of kin by holding those responsible accountable. 

The EU in a statement said that its 27 member states have taken note of all steps that have been taken in this regard. It expects Russia to accept responsibility and to fully cooperate with efforts to establish accountability. 

“This includes through the trilateral negotiations between Australia, the Netherlands and the Russian Federation with regard to the downing of flight MH17,” said the Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU at the 7th anniversary of the downing of flight MH17.

Today marks the seventh anniversary of the downing of MH17, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 298 passengers and crew members.

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which was travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, crashed while flying over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014. It is believed that the Boeing 777 was hit by a surface-to-air missile supplied to pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.

“The European Union continues to feel deep sympathy for all those who lost their loved ones,” said the statement. – Bernama, July 17, 2021.