Abbott slams Russia’s veto of MH17 tribunal as ‘outrageous’

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says Russia’s veto of the United Nations Security Council resolution to form a criminal tribunal over the downing of flight MH17 is “outrageous”.

Mr Abbott issued a strongly-worded statement saying Russia is “protecting the perpetrators and continuing to assault the sovereignty of Ukraine”.

“By its actions today, Russia has shown complete disregard for the families' right to know who was responsible and to see these criminals face justice,” the statement read.

“Russia had an opportunity to join the international community in this effort.”

Eleven of the 15 members of the Security Council voted in favor of the resolution, which had been drafted by Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop had been vocal in her support of the tribunal.

READ MORE: Julie Bishop slams Russia after MH17 criminal tribunal voted down

However, Russia exercised its veto. Angola, China and Venezuela abstained. The Security Council session began with a moment's silence in honor of the 298 people, including 39 Australian residents and citizens, who were killed in the crash.

As one of five permanent members in the UN Security Council, Russia was able to exercise its veto power. It was the only nation to vote against the proposal.

"What are the grounds to be assured of the impartiality of such an investigation?" Russian ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin said in a speech to the Council after the vote.

He asked how it could resist an "aggressive backdrop of propaganda in the media."

Russia drafted an alternative resolution that does not include a tribunal but asks for a full international investigation.

Malaysia's transport minister earlier appealed to Council members to adopt the resolution and said a tribunal would be best placed to "deliver justice to the families of the victims."

"All those who travel by air will be more at risk if the perpetrators are not held to account," Liow Tiong Lai said.

The flight was downed over rebel-held east Ukraine during heavy fighting between Kiev's armed forces and pro-Russian separatists.

The majority of passengers on the flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur were Dutch.

PRIME MINISTER FULL STATEMENT

Russia's veto of the United Nations Security Council resolution to establish a tribunal to prosecute those responsible for the MH17 atrocity is outrageous.

Two hundred and ninety eight innocent people, including 38 Australians, were murdered when the aircraft was shot down above Ukraine just over a year ago.

By its actions today, Russia has shown complete disregard for the families' right to know who was responsible and to see these criminals face justice.

Russia had an opportunity to join the international community in this effort.

Its actions reinforce concerns Russia is protecting the perpetrators and continuing to assault the sovereignty of Ukraine.

Australia will continue its work with our partners to see justice done.