Hans de Borst’s hands trembled as he looked through the memorial service program. His daughter Elsemiek, who was 17 years old, was on MH17 Plane a decade ago today. Hans was the first family member to arrive at the central amphitheatre of the MH17 national monument.
When asked about his feelings, Hans admitted to being somewhat nervous. He pointed to rows of benches where 1,300 relatives and dignitaries, including Dutch King Willem-Alexander, would soon be seated. On 17 July 2014, 298 people perished when the Malaysia Airlines jet was struck by a Russian Buk missile over eastern Ukraine, controlled by Russian-backed forces.
Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, now slated to become NATO’s next secretary-general, joined guests walking past fields of sunflowers toward the monument’s heart. When questioned about justice for the victims, Rutte expressed uncertainty: “I don’t know. I really don’t know.”
In 2022, a Dutch court convicted Igor Girkin, Sergei Dubinsky, and Leonid Kharchenko in absentia for murder. They face life imprisonment but remain fugitives as Russia declined to extradite them.
The Buk missile used belonged to Russia’s 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade in Kursk, and the men were convicted for transporting it into Ukraine. The Kremlin has consistently denied any involvement in the tragedy, which deeply affected the Dutch nation’s collective memory.
Mr. Rutte acknowledged the challenges in seeking justice and expressed his appreciation for the tributes leading up to the 10-year anniversary. Some relatives of the victims shared embraces and quiet conversations with him, reflecting on his tenure as prime minister during the tragedy.
Silene Frederiksz, whose son Bryce was on MH-17 Plane, believes Rutte made every effort and trusts that the new Dutch prime minister, Dick Schoof, will continue to pursue justice and accountability, given his involvement in the MH17 Plane investigation.
A decade later, families continue seeking truth and accountability for MH17. Piet Ploeg, who lost his nephew, brother, and sister-in-law, expressed ongoing anguish over the tragedy. Of the 298 victims, 196 were Dutch, with others from countries including Malaysia (43), Australia (38), and the UK (10), including 80 children among the casualties.
In Canberra, Australian relatives held a separate memorial at Parliament House. The conflict in eastern Ukraine, which began shortly before the MH17 disaster and escalated into a Russian invasion in February 2022, has deepened the belief among Dutch families that stronger international action might have prevented current hostilities.
The plane exploded at 33,000 feet (10,000 meters), scattering debris and victims across fields of sunflowers near Hrabove in eastern Ukraine.
Sunflowers, now a symbol of the tragedy, were carried by relatives past half-mast flags at the Dutch monument near Schiphol Airport. Robbie Oehlers, who searched the crash site for his niece Daisy and her boyfriend Bryce, reflected on the sombre ceremony as planes occasionally flew overhead. Bryce’s mother Silene read out names of the 298 victims.
Australian Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, representing his country, acknowledged the shared pursuit of justice and accountability among those affected by MH17, yet recognized that no words could ease their pain. Legal actions are ongoing at the European Court of Human Rights and the International Civil Aviation Organization Council to hold Russia accountable under international law.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that justice for war crimes, including the MH17 attack, is inevitable. Robbie Oehlers expressed doubt that Russian leaders, including Putin, would ever apologize. He noted the fluctuating priorities of governments but highlighted the enduring significance of MH17 in collective memory.
For many families, the MH17 national monument provides solace, with 298 trees planted in memory of each victim. Relatives gathered at these trees, placing flowers, candles, and photos to honor their loved ones. Prime Minister Schoof remarked on the unity in sadness among attendees.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Piet Ploeg expressed gratitude for the community’s support and thanked former Prime Minister Mark Rutte for his efforts. The crowd applauded, underscoring the importance of remembering this dark day in history.
