Australia and the Netherlands have launched legal proceedings against Russia, over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 back in 2014.

298 people, including 38 Australians, died when the plane was shot down in July 2014.

In a statement this evening, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne, Attorney-General Michaelia Cash and Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement.

The ministers say that they will rely on “overwhelming evidence” the plane was struck down by a Russian Buk-TELAR missile driven from Russia into eastern Ukraine.

“We have maintained since May 2018 that the Russian Federation is responsible under international law for the downing of Flight MH17,” the statement read.

“Today’s joint action by Australia and the Netherlands is a major step forward in both countries’ fight for truth, justice and accountability for this horrific act of violence, which claimed the lives of 298 victims, 38 of whom called Australia home.”

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