KUALA LUMPUR – Ukraine’s Chargé d’Affaires, Denys Mykhailiuk, has called on the Malaysian government to adopt a firmer stance over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, following a report by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) that placed blame squarely on Russia.
The ICAO’s findings reaffirmed that the aircraft, which was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down by a Russian missile while flying over eastern Ukraine amid conflict between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces.
Flight MH17 was downed over Donetsk on July 17, 2014, killing all 298 people on board, including 15 crew members.
Speaking exclusively to Scoop, Mykhailiuk said justice for the victims could not be achieved through silence or neutrality in the face of Russia’s continued denial.
Mykhailiuk added that it is time for Malaysia to join other affected nations in holding Russia accountable, stressing that “Russia will never admit its crimes” and its ongoing refusal to cooperate must not be allowed to stand in the way of justice.
“Justice is the least the victims of MH17 deserve. No one can bring back the lives lost—80 children, 218 adults, 43 Malaysians.
“But we can still hold those responsible to account: the perpetrators who launched the missile, the commanders who gave the orders, and the political leadership who started this war.
“The Hague court found them guilty. The ICAO Council found them guilty. The Netherlands and Australia know who is guilty. Ukraine knows who is guilty. What conclusion has Malaysia drawn? We do not know.
“Russia does not admit that it shot down MH17. It does not admit it is at war with Ukraine. It does not admit it is illegally occupying the USSR’s seat on the UN Security Council. Russia never admits its crimes—and it never cooperates.”
While Malaysia has consistently pledged support for a fair and impartial investigation, Mykhailiuk believes the time has come for stronger diplomatic messaging.
“Malaysia has participated in international investigations and supported justice efforts. But perhaps it is time to take the next step—name the guilty. That decision must come from Malaysia itself,” he said.
Anwar-Putin visit
Mykhailiuk also weighed in on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to Russia from May 13 to 16, where he met with President Vladimir Putin.
“Anwar had two options: if Russia is guilty, then there should be no meeting; if Russia is not guilty, then MH17 is not an issue. But everyone knows MH17 remains a pressing issue.”
Asked how global leaders should balance national interests with moral responsibility, Mykhailiuk was unequivocal.
“There is no way to balance. Either you live in a world built on rules—or you allow bullies to break them. Compromise today means compromise tomorrow. Before long, you end up in a world where the strong take what they want.”
Ukraine, he said, continues to hope that Malaysia will ultimately take a stronger position in the pursuit of justice.
“We expect nothing. But we call for decisive action. We hope Malaysia will complete its investigation and call the killer a killer,” he said.
Mykhailiuk also extended an invitation to Anwar to visit Kyiv, adding that Ukraine remains open to hosting Malaysian officials and strengthening bilateral ties. – May 22, 2025