The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) council has ruled that Russia was responsible for the downing of a Malaysian airliner over Ukraine that killed all 298 people on board, including 38 Australians. The council found that Russia breached the prohibition under international law on the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight and is responsible for the loss of life. Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 departed from Amsterdam for Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, and was shot down over eastern Ukraine as fighting raged between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces. In November 2022, Dutch judges convicted two Russian men and a Ukrainian man in absentia of murder for their role in the attack. Moscow called the ruling "scandalous" and said it would not extradite its citizens. The case with the ICAO was launched in 2022 by Australia and the Netherlands. Both governments said the council would in the coming weeks consider what form of reparation was in order. Australia Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government welcomed the decision and urged ICAO to move swiftly to determine remedies. "This is a historic moment in the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability for the victims of the downing of Flight MH17, and their families and loved ones," she said in a statement. "Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives as a result of Russia's actions, their families and loved ones." Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp wants the ICAO council to order Russia to enter into negotiations over reparations. "The decision is an important step towards establishing the truth and achieving justice and accountability for all victims of Flight MH17, and their families and loved ones," he said. "This decision also sends a clear message to the international community: states cannot violate international law with impunity." ICAO lacks regulatory power but holds moral suasion and sets global aviation standards overwhelmingly adopted by its 193-member states. ABC/Reuters