Statement by Ukraine

STATEMENT BY THE DELEGATION OF UKRAINE As delivered by Ambassador Yurii Vitrenko, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna 1573 rd meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council Agenda Item 2, “Review of Current Issues” “Twelve Years since the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17” (16 July 2026) Mr Chairperson, We thank the Delegation of the Netherlands for raising this important issue at today's Permanent Council meeting. As tomorrow we will commemorate the twelfth anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 298 people from 17 different countries, I would first of all like to reiterate Ukraine's deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. We will never forget this tragedy, which was one of the first clear indications that Russia's aggression knows no boundaries and that anyone can become its victim. The downing of MH17 exposed the true nature of Russia's aggression - cynical, treacherous, and devoid of any moral restraint. Today, the international legal responsibility of the Russian Federation for the downing of Flight MH17 has been firmly established, including through the proceedings by The Hague District Court, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Nevertheless, Russia continues to deny its responsibility. Since 2014, Moscow continues to construct a coordinated web of lies in an attempt to conceal the traces of this heinous crime. However, no procedural manoeuvring can alter the established facts or absolve Russia of its international legal responsibility for this heinous crime. Ukraine will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure accountability for the aggressor state and for all those responsible for crimes committed as a result of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. Only by establishing the truth, restoring justice, and holding those responsible accountable can we ensure that the world never again witnesses tragedies of this kind. Thank you, Mr Chairperson. The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. PC.DEL/756/2617 July 2026 ENGLISH only