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White House says Russia was "culpable" in the downing of MH17

The White House says Russian President Vladimir Putin was "culpable" in the downing of Malaysia A...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.16 26 Jul 2014


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White House says Russia was &a...

White House says Russia was "culpable" in the downing of MH17

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.16 26 Jul 2014


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The White House says Russian President Vladimir Putin was "culpable" in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine.

In his strongest comments yet since the plane was shot down- spokesman Josh Earnest linked the crash to Russia, which the US has criticised for providing arms to Ukrainian separatists.

Almost 300 people were killed when the plane was apparently shot down - not all of the victims' remains have been found.

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Two senior Russian intelligence chiefs have had EU sanctions imposed on them following the disaster - while 40 Dutch military police will arrive in eastern Ukraine today to help investigators protect the area.

Mr Earnest told reporters: "What we also know is that the Malaysia Airlines jet was brought down by a missile that was fired from the ground.

"It was fired from the ground in an area that was controlled by separatists, and in an area where the Ukrainians themselves were not actually operating anti-aircraft weapons at that time.

"So that is why we have concluded that Vladimir Putin and the Russians are culpable to this tragedy."

Mr Earnest also confirmed reports that Russian troops are firing heavy artillery on Ukrainian military across the border, describing it as an escalation of the conflict.


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