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The Malaysian plane carrying 298 people was essentially flying over a war zone. It crashed down in a part of eastern Ukraine that is close to the Russian border and is a fighting ground between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists.
And as the massive investigation is just in its infancy, Ukraine and Russian are playing the blame game.
As the search for answers continues in the downing of doomed Malaysia Airlines flight 17 officials urge for full cooperation from all sides.
Rear Admiral John Kirby, Pentagon Press Secretary: “The United States is prepared to assist in an international investigation, and he and Minister Hishammuddin agreed that the investigation must be credible, transparent, and unimpeded. All parties in the vicinity of the crash site – Russian, pro-Russian separatists, and Ukrainian must agree to an immediate ceasefire.”
The U.S. says it appears the plane was shot down by a Russian-made missile, fired within Ukraine by pro-Russian separatists. U.S. President Obama stated that the rebels could not thrive without Russian support.
Australia lost 28 of its citizens in the crash and its prime minister didn’t mince words when discussing Russia’s role in the tragedy.
Tony Abbott, Australian Prime Minister: “When you have a situation where Russian backed rebels appeared to have killed Australians using what may well have been Russian supplied heavy weaponry, Australia takes a very dim view indeed and we want the fullest possible investigation.”
The security service of Ukraine released recordings today they say show pro-Russian rebels in the Donetsk region had access to a BUK missile launcher. Though outside sources have not confirmed the authenticity of the release.
Pentagon recording transcript:
hmury: listening to you Buryat
buryat: where do we have to unload this beauty? Nikolaiovich?
hmury: which one? this one?
buryat: yes, yes, that one which I delivered. I am already in Donetsk.
hmury: is this what I am thinking about? b… ? m? that one?
buryat: yes, yes, buk. buk.
hmury: is she on the truck ?
buryat: yes she is on there. we need to unload her somewhere to hide it.
However, Russian President Putin pointed the finger right back at Ukraine. Speaking during a cabinet meeting in Moscow, he said they bear responsibility for the fallen flight, because its recent tough military operations against rebels caused the volatility in the region.
A big part of this investigation will be the contents of the planes two black boxes. Reports so far say that at least one of them may have already been whisked away to Moscow by pro-Russian separatists.
