Day 17 July 2014 relatives and friends of those killed in the crash of the flight MH-17 will never forget. The missile, launched over the territory of eastern Ukraine, claimed the lives of all 298 passengers of ten nationalities who were aboard the "Boeing" "Malaysian Airlines". Now this is reminiscent of the 298 trees planted near Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. One tree in memory of everyone loved by family and friends. This forest of memory will be framed by sunflowers - they remind of the landscape over which the plane was shot down, and at the same time - about the war in the east of Ukraine.

Not a tragic accident, but a war The wreck of a Malaysian "Boeing" was not just a tragic plane crash. It was not related to any technical problems on board, nor to the human factor. The crew and passengers were victims of war. It has long been established that Ukraine had to close the airspace over the Donbass, but did so only when it was too late. Therefore, part of the blame for the disaster is in Kiev. But who is responsible for launching the rocket? Who committed this, probably, a military crime? These questions still need answers.

In the Netherlands, where most of the victims were born, they say that those responsible must be brought to justice, even though there are still no arrest orders. Last year, an international investigation team presented a report based on an extensive evidence base. In it, the responsibility is absolutely clearly placed on the pro-Russian separatists and Moscow: the plane that was carrying out the MH-17 flight was shot down by a missile launched from the Russian "Buka". During the investigation, it was possible to identify the likely place of launch of the missile, which led to the conclusion that the alleged pro-Russian separatists. The Buk missile system was driven from Russia to the east of Ukraine just before launch, after which the transporter left. The investigators even managed to find out his route, and they want to identify the persons involved in the crash of the liner. However, until now no names have been named.

So, it is clear that if it really comes to trial, it will be a big challenge not only from the criminal legal point of view - this process would have enormous political dimensions. After all, if the investigators are right, then in Russia someone sent a launcher to the east of Ukraine. And this happened not without a political cover from Moscow. If these accusations are confirmed at the trial, then it will be proved not only Moscow's involvement in launching the missile, but also its involvement in the war in Donbass.

The truth must come out The Kremlin denies Russia's participation in this conflict. Pulling out all the new theories, Russia has been obstinately trying to blame Ukraine for launching the missile for three years. However, the evidence of their assumptions in the Kremlin has not yet been submitted. Instead, Moscow criticizes the investigation, calling it one-sided. At the same time, Russia itself blocked the resolution of the UN Security Council on the creation of an international tribunal to investigate the causes of the collapse of the "Boeing".

All this reinforces the impression that Moscow has something to hide.

This is one more reason why missile launchers responsible for launching must be legally punished. Relations with Russia from this will not become easier, but the rule of law has no other choice: it must guarantee the victims of the crash and their relatives justice. This means that the alleged criminals and those who bear political responsibility must be brought to justice. Even if this process drags on for years, the truth must come out.