"The Russian Federation failed to fulfill its obligations under international aviation law in connection with the downing", the UN agency states in a statement issued.
Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down by Russian-backed forces in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The plane was hit by a Russian-made air defense missile.
International law prohibits the use of weapons against civilian aircraft, and Australia and the Netherlands' allegations against Russia regarding the downing have been "well-founded in fact and law", the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concludes.
Two-thirds of the deceased were Dutch nationals, 38 were Australians, and approximately 30 Malaysians.
"We urge Russia to finally take responsibility for this heinous act of violence and make amends for its flagrant behavior, in accordance with international law", says Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in response to the news from ICAO.
In 2022, a Dutch court sentenced three men, two Russians and one Ukrainian, to life imprisonment for the downing. Russia, which has consistently denied involvement, has refused to extradite them.
