The global diplomatic campaign to hold Russia to account for downing Malaysia Airlines flight 17 over Ukraine has hit a surprise hurdle.

Malaysia has broken ranks with Australia and The Netherlands and declared that there is no conclusive evidence to confirm Russia was responsible.

That's also at odds with the multi-country team of investigators, who said only a week ago, they had traced the missile launcher to the Russian Federation's 53rd Anti-Aircraft Rocket Brigade.

Tonight, the Foreign Minister has flatly contradicted the Malaysian Minister. Julie Bishop declared in a statement " the only reasonable conclusion is that Russia played a direct role in the downing" that killed 38 Australians.

Russia, she says, must take responsibility for its role.