The names of the 298 people who died when MH17 was shot out of the sky ten years ago will be heard again. Their names will be read out during the memorial service at the monument. But in the silence that follows, the additional pain and suffering will be palpable for the relatives. Because despite years of in-depth investigations, followed by three convictions, Russia has never acknowledged any responsibility.
There were no answers to the questions of the Dutch-led investigation team, only further diversionary manoeuvres. But the involvement of “Number One”, which the rebel leaders discussed among themselves, has become increasingly clear. This man had to give permission to send the deadly Buk missile system to the rebels in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. And in Russia there is only one “Number One”: the elusive Vladimir Putin.
Blunt denial worksfor additional pain and suffering for surviving family members. This is also the basis of the complaint that the Netherlands lodged with the European Court of Justice.
