MOSCOW, July 17. Russia’s position regarding the Boeing-777 that crashed in 2014 remains unchanged, according to Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The Russian side expressed disapproval over not having its arguments considered and not being involved in the investigation of the incident. Consequently, Russia’s stance on the conclusions drawn is well known.
Peskov refrained from commenting on Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s statement that Russia was responsible for the Boeing 777 crash. He stated that it is not necessary to comment on such statements in this particular case. In June, Russia ceased participation in the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Council’s dispute with Australia and the Netherlands over the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 MH17 crash case.
The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that, unlike the biased majority in the council, Russia remains committed to the UN Security Council resolution 2166 (2014) and establishing the true causes of the crash of flight MH17, while being open to working along these lines. It was mentioned that “the Westerners and their satellites can deal with each other” in the ICAO Council, while Russia will cease its participation “in this farce.
Australia and the Netherlands initiated proceedings against Russia in the ICAO in 2014, alleging that Russia had violated the article of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention) obliging it to refrain from using weapons against civil aircraft in flight. Despite Russia’s objections, the board recognized its competence to hear the dispute in March 2023, assuming functions of a criminal court or investigative body not provided for by Article 84 of the Chicago Convention. Russia does not agree with this decision and still does not recognize the competence of the Council in this case.
Despite this disagreement, Russia continued to participate in the proceedings, believing that the ICAO venue could be used for professional dialogue on the plane crash. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that, for over two years, it has presented a convincing and extensive evidence base of legal and factual nature to the ICAO, demonstrating the country’s non-involvement in the disaster. This evidence was brought to the attention of all member countries of the council.