Dutch judges will begin to hear evidence on the downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight.

The critical stage of a trial over the downing of Malaysian Airlines MH17 is set to begin.

Families of those who died in the 2014 tragedy have spoken of their heartache as details prepare to be handed down.

MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down by a missile.

Investigators believe the missile was fired from territory held by pro-Russian rebels during fighting with Ukrainian government troops.

All 298 people on board were killed, two-thirds of them Dutch nationals.

Dutch judges overseeing the murder trial of three Russian men and another from Ukraine will summarise evidence at the hearing in a high-security courtroom in Amsterdam.

Court proceedings officially began in March 2020 with discussions over the admissibility of evidence.

The trial phase:

The trial will start with hearings looking at the evidence and the investigation into the crash.

The defensee and prosecution will be granted time to discuss any conflicting information or issues, lasting until July 9, 2021.

Relatives of the victims will be allowed to address the court in what is understood will be an opportunity to give victim impact statements at some point in September.

The men on trial:

Three Russian nationals and one Ukrainian citizen are on trial for the downing of the Malaysian Airlines jet.

The tragic day of the downing of MH17:

The Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 jet was en route from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Investigators revealed the plane was shot down as it flew over a part of eastern Ukraine that is under the control of pro-Russian rebels.

All 298 people on board — including 196 Dutch citizens perished in the crash.