Australia and the Netherlands have launched a joint action against Russia over the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17. The action will be filed in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and names Russia as responsible for the incident under international law. Flight MH17 was shot down on July 17, 2014 while flying over separatist, eastern Ukraine. All 298 people onboard were killed, including 193 Netherlanders, 43 Malaysians, and 38 Australians. “This is an important step in the fight for truth, justice and accountability for all of the victims of MH17, including the 38 who called Australia home,” Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne told reporters on March 14. Attorney-General Michaelia Cash said the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention, requires states to refrain from using weapons against civil aircraft in flight. “That obligation is of paramount importance in preserving the safety and security of …