On this day 10 years ago, the world was shocked by the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 by Russian militaries and individuals under their direct control.

The downing of Flight MH17 was a horrific act of Russian terror among many those committed during a decade of Russian aggression against Ukraine. This crime has demonstrated to the international community that Russia's violation of international law and the threat to the international legal order by the aggressor go far beyond Ukraine.

On this day, 298 people, citizens of a dozen countries, became victims of groundless Russian aggression and Russia's violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a neighboring state.

In the ten years that have passed since the tragic day, the Russian Federation has not found the courage to admit responsibility, apologize to the relatives of the victims and the affected countries, and pay compensation. Instead, from the very first day after the crime was committed, the Russian propaganda machine has launched a systematic disinformation campaign to avoid responsibility.

Russia and its propagandists have continued to lie about MH17 even after the Hague District Court established all the true facts and issued a verdict in 2022. Russia struck the MH17 victims twice. The first time it used a missile against a civilian aircraft. The second time it dishonored their memory and the grief of their relatives and friends. This is part of Russia's "kill, lie and deny" strategy, which it applies to thousands of other atrocities committed during its aggression against Ukraine.

That is why bringing Russia and Russian criminals to responsibility is so important. We must deprive Moscow of its sense of impunity, put an end to its terror and aggression, restore just peace and security for Ukraine and all the countries and people that the Kremlin has chosen as its targets.

We are convinced that justice for the victims of this catastrophe must be restored. The efforts of Ukraine and its international partners have always been aimed at this goal. This work, including within the framework of the Joint Investigative Team, international organizations and international judicial institutions, has been and remains extremely important for the restoration of justice and security of international civil aviation.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all passengers and crew members. We stand in solidarity with those who have dedicated their lives to seeking truth and justice for this heinous crime.