Two Russians and a Ukrainian who helped bring down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, killing 298 people on board, have been sanctioned by Australia
- Australia has announced new sanctions against three men
- They were found guilty of downing the plane in 2014
Three men involved in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 have been sanctioned by the Australian government.
The government is working with the Netherlands and the European Union to coordinate sanctions against the trio convicted by the court in The Hague in November 2022 for their contribution to the downing of MH17 and the murder of all 298 people on board, including 38 Australian citizens or residents.
The sanctions target Russian Sergey Dubinskiy and Ukrainian national Leonid Kharchenko, who were both found guilty in court and sentenced to life in prison.
Australia also sanctioned Russian national Sergey Muchkaev, a colonel in the Russian armed forces.
In July 2014, Muchkaev was the commander of the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, which provided the Buk-TELAR missile system that downed MH17.
Another convicted offender, Igor Girkin, was sanctioned by Australia in 2014 for supporting separatist activities in eastern Ukraine.
Three men involved in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 (wreckage pictured) have been sanctioned by the Australian government
The sanctions target Russian Sergey Dubinskiy and Ukrainian citizen Leonid Kharchenko, (pictured above) who were both found guilty in court and sentenced to life in prison
“As separatist leaders within the so-called ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’ at the time of the downing of flight MH17, or as members of the Russian armed forces, the three individuals actively supported actions and policies that undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” said Ukraine’s minister of defense. Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.
“These sanctions demonstrate the Australian Government’s continued commitment to holding accountable those responsible for the downing of flight MH17.”
She said Australia was determined to seek “truth, justice and accountability” for the victims and would pursue all available avenues.
“Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones,” said Senator Wong.
Australia has called on Russia to work with the Netherlands to ensure that the perpetrators serve their sentences in the Dutch justice system.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the new sanctions on Friday
