DISINFO: MH17 court admitted the eastern Ukraine conflict is internal
SUMMARY
The court overseeing the MH17 case ruled that the crash occurred in the course of a non-international conflict in eastern Ukraine.
RESPONSE
The claim is a blunt misrepresentation of the verdict of the court in the Hague and it advances recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives denying Russia’s responsibility for the MH17 disaster and the country’s involvement in the war in Ukraine.
Contrary to Sputnik's false claim, the 17 November 2022 verdict, issued by the Hague District Court, see the official-summary of the ruling states:
Abundant indications reveal that from mid May 2014, the DPR [Donetsk people’s republic] in fact took directions from the Russian Federation. As a result, the involvement of the Russian Federation in the conflict with Ukraine led the conflict to become an international one [emphasis added].
EU High Representative Josep Borrell welcomed the outcome of the trial and added:
Today’s verdict is an important first step on the path of truth and accountability.
The criminal investigation into the involvement of other individuals is still ongoing, just like the proceedings against the Russian state at the European Court for Human Rights and at the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
The EU reiterates its call on Russia to accept its responsibility in this tragedy and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations.