Russia has used its veto at the United Nations to block a draft resolution to set up an international tribunal into the MH17 air disaster that occurred in July 2014.
On Wednesday, Russia was the only nation at the 15-member UN Security Council to oppose the move, triggering widespread condemnation.
Eleven members voted in favour. China, Venezuela and Angola abstained.
MH17, which was bound from the Netherlands to Malaysia, was shot down on July 17, 2014, over Eastern Ukrainian territory controlled by pro-Russian separatists, killing all 298 people on board.
Disputes over who is responsible for the disaster have helped to sour relations between Moscow and the West.
Western nations and Ukraine said there is an evidence it was hit by a Russian-supplied Buk anti-aircraft missile, a claim denied by Russia.
A statement from the office of Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, slammed Russia’s use of its veto power which it holds as one of the five permanent members of the Security Council as “outrageous.”
“By its actions on Thursday, Russia had shown complete disregard for the families’ right to know who was responsible and to see the criminals face justice,” the statement said.
“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.”
