In a high-stakes meeting in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin unleashed fierce criticism against a United Nations investigation that implicated Russia in the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which resulted in the deaths of 298 people in 2014.

During discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Putin demanded a "thorough and comprehensive investigation free from political bias." He declared the Kremlin's willingness to collaborate with organizations he considers impartial, setting the stage for potential diplomatic dialogue.

This week, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) delivered a groundbreaking ruling, siding with Australia and the Netherlands' claims that Russia fired the missile that brought down the aircraft, stating that Russia neglected its obligations under international air law. In response, the Kremlin dismissed the ruling, labeling it as "biased" and a politicized attack.

Anwar reported that Putin refuted accusations of Russia's reluctance to cooperate, expressing a desire for a more credible investigation. This assertion lends hope to the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the MH17 tragedy.

The catastrophic event on July 17, 2014, has severe implications, as it allegedly involved a Russian surface-to-air missile, thereby violating the Convention on International Civil Aviation that strictly prohibits the use of weapons against civilian aircraft.

Looking forward, the ICAO is set to deliberate on reparations, marking a critical juncture in the pursuit of justice. Anwar seized the moment to seek clarification from Moscow, declaring Malaysia's unwavering commitment to truth and accountability for the victims and their families.

The fallout from the downing of MH17, along with the simultaneous mystery of MH370's disappearance, has posed grave financial challenges for Malaysia Airlines, leading to a slump in share prices and eventual delisting from the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange. The airline's parent company, Malaysia Aviation Group, is now under the auspices of the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

In a potential silver lining, the Russian Direct Investment Fund is exploring investment opportunities with Khazanah, specifically a Russian-Malaysian Investment Fund, according to CEO Kirill Dmitriev. Concurrently, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev hinted at discussions regarding investments in Malaysia's gas sector, paving the way for stronger economic ties.

Anwar concluded the meeting by extending an invitation to Putin for a visit to Malaysia during the upcoming ASEAN summit in October, setting the stage for further diplomatic engagement.