Ukrainian president, Petro Poroshenko, is pointing the finger at the Russians for the suspected terrorist attack but Russian leader, Vladimir Putin is blaming Kiev for the downing the passenger plane which crashed in the settlement of Grabovo in Donetsk region.
Apart from offering his sympathies at a Russian cabinet meeting Putin alleged the Ukraine’s leaders were responsible for the fighting in eastern Ukraine between government troops and pro-Russian rebel forces which he said ultimately caused the crash.
“I want to point out that this tragedy wouldn’t have happened if there was peace in this land, or at least if fighting hadn’t resumed in the southeast of Ukraine,” Putin said. “And undoubtedly, the state on whose territory this happened is responsible for this awful tragedy.”
While the two nations direct blame at each other Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Najib Razak, vowed “no stone will be left unturned” to learn what happened.
“The Ukrainian authorities believe that the plane was shot down,” Mr Razak said. “At this stage, however, Malaysia is unable to verify the cause of this crash but we must and we will find out precisely what happened.”
“If it transpires that the plane was indeed shot down, we insist that the perpetrators must swiftly be bought to justice,” he added.
Leaders from around the world have offered their reactions to the tragedy:
Prime Minister Tony Abbott
Australia’s PM offered his “deepest condolences” to everyone connected with the flight.
“This is a terrible tragedy for them, their loved ones, their families,” Mr Abbott told ABC Radio this morning.
“We are gravely concerned there were Australians on board this flight. We are profoundly concerned that the plane may have been shot down,” Prime Minister Abbott told reporters.
“If this was a crime a crime rather than an accident, it’s an unspeakable crime and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.”
Ukraine president Petro Poroshenko
“This is not an incident or catastrophe, it is a terrorist attack.
“We do not exclude that the plane was shot down and confirm that the Ukraine Armed Forces did not fire at any targets in the sky.”
Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak
“We are launching an immediate investigation.
“The aircraft did not make a distress call.
“Malaysia airlines is in the process of notifying the next of kin of the passengers and crew.
“No stone will be left unturned.
“If it transpires that the plane was indeed shot down, we insist that the perpetrators must swiftly be bought to justice.
Russian president Vladimir Putin
“The President of Russia asked the Prime Minister of Malaysia to convey his deepest sympathy and support to the victims’ families,” said a spokesperson for the Russian leader.
US president Barack Obama
“The world is watching reports of a downed passenger jet near the Russia/Ukraine border, and it looks like it may be a terrible tragedy.
“I have directed my national security team to stay in close contact with the Ukrainian government. The United States will offer any assistance we can to help determine what happened and why.
“And as a country, our thoughts and prayers are with all the families of the passengers, wherever they call home.”
Dutch prime minister
Netherlands PM Mark Rutte released a statement to express his dismay over the flight which took off from Amsterdam.
“I am deeply shocked by the tragic news about the crash of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur via Ukrainian territory,” he said. “Very much is still unclear about the facts, the circumstances and the passengers.”
Malaysia Airlines
At the first sign of trouble Malaysia Airlines took to Twitter:
“Malaysia Airlines has lost contact of MH17 from Amsterdam. The last known position was over Ukrainian airspace. More details to follow,” tweeted the airline.
