Ten years have passed since Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was tragically shot down over conflict-ridden Ukraine. On Wednesday, the families of the victims will come together to honor their memories, as the likelihood of the perpetrators facing justice diminishes. The gathering is set to take place at a memorial park close to Schiphol airport, the departure point of the ill-fated flight on July 17, 2014. That day, a Boeing 777 was destroyed by a Russian-made BUK missile while en route to Kuala Lumpur, resulting in the death of all 298 passengers and crew.

A Dutch court has already sentenced three men to life imprisonment for their involvement in the incident, though they were tried in absentia. The commemoration will include the reading of the names of all the victims, with a significant number being Dutch nationals. Other victims hailed from various countries, including 43 Malaysians and 38 Australians.

Evert van Zijtveld, who lost multiple family members in the crash, expressed his sorrow ahead of the event. Dutch judges found Igor Girkin, Sergei Dubinsky, and Leonid Kharchenko guilty for their roles in the tragedy, while Oleg Pulatov was acquitted. The court determined that the three could be held accountable for the missile's transport and deployment, even if they did not fire it.

International investigators halted their efforts last year due to insufficient evidence for further prosecutions, but they suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin likely approved the missile's supply. Australia and the Netherlands continue to pursue a case against Russia through the International Civil Aviation Organization. Russia has consistently denied involvement and criticized the court's verdict.

Van Zijtveld remains skeptical about the prospects of the guilty parties serving their sentences, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also acknowledged the unfulfilled quest for justice. Van Zijtveld, who now leads a foundation in memory of his children, views the victims as early casualties of the protracted war. Despite the verdict, Piet Ploeg, another family member, hopes it will provide some solace to the affected families.

For those attending the memorial, July 17 is a somber reminder of their loss, with many planning to wear black in mourning.