KIEV, Ukraine – Ukraine has terminated its aviation agreement with Iran, a move thatcomes nearly four years after a Ukrainian International Airlines passenger plane was shot down by Iranian missiles in 2020, killing all 176 people on board.
The decision was announced on November 8, 2024, by Ruslan Stefanchuk, the representative of the Ukrainian government in the Verkhovna Rada(Ukrainian Parliament). Stefanchuk stated that Ukraine had officially terminated the aviation agreement signed with Iran on July 9, 1993.
The termination of the agreement signifies a significant step in Ukraine’s response to the tragicincident, which occurred on January 8, 2020, at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. The Boeing 737-800, en route to Kyiv, was struck by two Iraniansurface-to-air missiles shortly after takeoff, resulting in a catastrophic crash.
The incident sparked international outrage and condemnation, with Ukraine demanding accountability from Iran. Following an investigation, Iran admitted responsibility for the downing of the plane, attributing it to a human error by its military. Iranclaimed that the plane was mistakenly identified as a hostile target.
While Iran offered apologies and compensation to the families of the victims, the incident strained relations between the two countries. The Ukrainian government, along with the families of the victims, pressed for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
The termination of the aviationagreement is seen as a symbolic gesture by Ukraine, demonstrating its commitment to holding Iran accountable for the tragedy. It also reflects the ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Impact on Aviation Relations
The termination of the aviation agreement effectively ends all formal aviation ties between Ukraine and Iran. While flights between the twocountries had already been suspended since 2020, the official termination of the agreement signifies a complete severing of aviation relations.
This decision is likely to have a significant impact on future aviation cooperation between the two countries. The termination of the agreement could potentially hinder any future efforts to resume direct flights betweenUkraine and Iran.
International Response
The international community has largely supported Ukraine’s decision to terminate the aviation agreement with Iran. Many countries have condemned the downing of the Ukrainian passenger plane and called for justice for the victims.
The United States, a key ally of Ukraine, has expressed its support forUkraine’s actions and has called on Iran to take full responsibility for the tragedy. The European Union, which has also been critical of Iran’s actions, has echoed the calls for accountability.
Looking Forward
The termination of the aviation agreement is a significant development in the aftermath of the 2020 plane crash. It demonstrates Ukraine’s resolve to seek justice for the victims and to hold Iran accountable for its actions.
However, the incident has left a lasting impact on relations between the two countries. It remains to be seen how the termination of the aviation agreement will affect future relations between Ukraine and Iran.
References
- Ukraine Terminates Aviation Agreement with Iran, RBC-Ukraine, November 8, 2024.
- Iran Admits Shooting Down Ukrainian Plane, Blaming ‘Human Error’, The New York Times, January 11, 2020.
- Ukraine Calls for Justice After Plane Crash in Iran, BBC News, January 8, 2020.
- US Condemns Iran’s Downing of Ukrainian Plane, Reuters, January 8, 2020.
- EU Calls for Transparency in Investigation of IranPlane Crash, Euronews, January 9, 2020.
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