Australia and the Netherlands will file its Final Arguments against Russia for the downing of flight MH 17 before the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council.
The news was announced by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, via Instagram on March 7, 2025.
The Foreign Minister said that filing the Final Arguments is a “significant step” in the proceedings and paves the way for the ICAO Council to begin its deliberations.
“Australia will continue to pursue truth, justice and accountability for the 298 victims of the downing of Flight MH17–including the 38 people who called Australia home,” Wong said in the post caption.
The filing comes more than 10 years after the ill-fated B777-200ER was shot down by a Buk 9M38 surface-to-air missile that was transported from Russia the day before the incident. All 298 crew and passengers died.
In October 2020, Russia unilaterally withdrew from negotiations with Australia and the Netherlands regarding the downing of Flight MH17, and refused to return to the negotiating table despite repeated requests from both countries.
In March 2022, Australia and the Netherlands initiated legal proceedings against Russia.
In court, a final or a closing argument is the last opportunity for lawyers to persuade the judge or jury to rule in their client’s favor, following presentation of all evidence and testaments.
