TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by Al Arabiya, criticized the United Nations investigation that accused Russia of being responsible for the downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.
The shooting down of the plane over Ukrainian airspace killed all 298 passengers and crew in 2014.
With 38 Australian citizens and 196 Dutch citizens on board when it crashed, both governments called on Russia to be held accountable and pay compensation. However, Russia consistently denied involvement in the plane crash.
In a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Moscow on Wednesday, Putin called for "a thorough and comprehensive investigation free from political influence." He said the Kremlin is ready to engage with organizations that it deems impartial, according to Anwar.
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) council this week endorsed claims by Australia and the Netherlands that Russia shot down the Malaysian passenger plane, stating that the accusations were "based on facts and law." By doing so, Russia "failed to uphold its obligations under international air law," the body said in a statement.
The Kremlin promptly rejected the decision, calling it "biased." Putin denied claims that Russia was unwilling to cooperate and is ready for a more "credible or authoritative" investigation, Anwar told reporters on Wednesday in Moscow, where he was on an official visit.
The case revolves around allegations that on July 17, 2014, Russia used a surface-to-air missile over eastern Ukraine to bring down the plane, which is a violation of the International Civil Aviation Convention, which prohibits countries from "using weapons against civilian aircraft in flight."
In the coming weeks, the ICAO council will consider what form of compensation is appropriate. Anwar said this is a "relevant opportunity to seek clarification" from the Russian government.
"Malaysia continues to pursue truth and justice through an independent and fair process, with the cooperation of all relevant parties," Anwar said.
"Malaysia remains resolute in ensuring accountability and a just resolution for the victims and their families who continue to bear the weight of this tragedy."
The downing of MH17 over Ukraine and the disappearance of MH370 in the same year have had severe financial consequences for Malaysia Airlines.
This led to a plunge in stock prices that eventually saw the company delisted from the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange. The Malaysia Aviation Group, the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, is now owned by the national wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd.
Russia's Direct Investment Fund is in talks with Khazanah about the possibility of establishing a Russia-Malaysia Investment Fund, said RDIF Chief Executive Kirill Dmitriev, who is also Putin's envoy, on Telegram.
Separately, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev said on Wednesday that Russia is discussing investments in Malaysian gas infrastructure and proposed gas trade, Interfax reported.
Anwar also invited Putin to visit Malaysia during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in October, according to Interfax. Malaysia currently chairs the 10-nation bloc.
Anwar is scheduled to travel from Moscow to Kazan on Thursday.
Editor's Choice: Germany Arrests Three Ukrainians over Russian Sabotage Plot
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Putin Names Delegation for Ukraine Peace Talks
3 jam lalu
President Vladimir Putin has composed a delegation that will engage in direct peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul
UN Condemns Israel After Attack on Peacekeeping Post in Lebanon
5 jam lalu
UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said that perimeter of one of its posts in southern Lebanon came under "direct fire" from Israeli forces.
Germany Arrests Three Ukrainians over Russian Sabotage Plot
10 jam lalu
Authorities in Germany have detained three Ukrainian citizens accused of planning sabotage attacks on cargo transportation to Russia.
Ukraine's Zelensky Heads to Ankara, Urges Putin to Join Ceasefire Talks
23 jam lalu
Putin has yet to confirm his attendance at the talks, which the U.S., under President Trump, is pushing to help end the three-year war.
From Trump to Putin, Prabowo-Jokowi Kissing Meme Is Not First of Its Kind
1 hari lalu
The making of memes featuring political figures kissing is a worldwide occurrence as a form of protest and satirical commentary.
Indonesian Navy Confirms Viral Video of Former Marine Becoming a Russian Soldier
4 hari lalu
The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) confirmed the viral video of Sergeant Satria Arta Kumbara, who switched to become a Russian soldier. The video went viral on TikTok.
European Leaders Make Historic Joint Visit to Ukraine, Call for Ceasefire
4 hari lalu
This is the first time that leaders from four European countries have made a joint visit to Ukraine.
Indian Tourists Stranded in Malaysia After Flights Canceled Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
5 hari lalu
Many airlines have canceled or delayed flights to India and Pakistan. Several countries have also issued travel warnings.
UN Rejects Israeli Proposal to Control Gaza Aid Deliveries
6 hari lalu
The UN firmly rejects Israel's plan to manage aid shipments to the residents of the Gaza Strip through a U.S. private security contractor
Malaysia Worries India-Pakistan Tension May Disrupt Rice Imports
7 hari lalu
India supplies white rice and Pakistan provides basmati, both staples for Malaysia's 34 million people.
