Russia and the Netherlands privately discuss downed MH17 Boeing
Russia and the Netherlands are in contact with each other about the investigation into the crash of Boeing MH-17 in eastern Ukraine in 2014, said the Dutch Ambassador to Russia, Renée Jones-Bos as cited by Interfax news agency.
According to her, the Netherlands is "in contact with the interested parties in Russia, which are also dealing with this issue." At the same time, "the parties do not share information with the outside world."
She noted that the sides are currently considering a full consultation on the case of the downed Malaysian Boeing.
The Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 flight MH17 was shot down on July 17, 2014 over separatist-held territory of the Donetsk region. All 298 people on board were killed. Passengers of the flight included citizens of 10 countries. The majority of the victims (196 people) were citizens of the Netherlands.
The Joint Investigation Team (JIT)—which includes representatives from Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Ukraine—has carried out criminal investigation of the tragedy. The countries participating in the investigation have agreed not to create a separate tribunal, and decided that those responsible would be brought before the Dutch court.
On May 24, 2018, the JIT presented additional evidence of Russia’s crucial role in the tragic air disaster. The JIT concluded that the Buk ground-to-air missile system that shot down the passenger airplane was in service of the 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade of the Russian Armed Forces stationed in Kursk.
On May 25, the Dutch government took steps to hold Russia accountable for the crash of flight MH17, a process which will be managed separately from prosecuting the perpetrators.
Australia stated it will seek payment of compensation from Russia to the families of the MH17 crash victims.