The Crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH 17 (MAS 17) drew sharp criticism from various nations. Below are some of the reactions from different countries.
Russia – The Russian defence ministry has said the accusations of shooting the aircraft down are ‘absurd’. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his deepest condolences to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, the Malaysian people and the relatives of the victims. His spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the allegations of Russian involvement were stupidity.
Ukraine – Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has ordered an investigation into the crash, and the government has officially confirmed that the aircraft has crashed. Ukrainian interior ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko wrote that the plane was brought down by a Buk ground-to-air missile, fired by separatists.
Malaysia – Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Twitter: “I am shocked by reports that an MH plane crashed. We are launching an immediate investigation.”
Malaysian Deputy Foreign Minister Hamzah Zainuddin said the next day in Malaysia that the foreign ministry would be working closely with the Russian and Ukraine governments in regards to the inciden
Netherlands – Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated “I am deeply shocked by the dramatic news regarding the crash of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur over Ukrainian groundsâ€. He further announced to interrupt his holiday to coordinate the Dutch response.
United States – The US has said it will use its satellite imagery records to establish whether a surface-to-air missile was the cause of the crash. Senator John McCain said that there would be serious repercussions if the cause of the accident was proven to be a shoot-down, saying: “If it is a result of either separatists or Russian actions mistakenly believing that this was a Ukrainian warplane, I think there’s going to be hell to pay and there should be.”
United Kingdom – The United Kingdom foreign office has stated that it is “urgently working to establish what has happened”.
Singapore – Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Twitter: “Shocked & saddened to hear of #MH17 crash in Ukraine. Our thoughts & prayers are with the passengers & crew, & their families.”
Sweden – Foreign Secretary Carl Bildt wrote: “Absolutely horrible with Malaysia Airlines probably shot down over separatist area of Eastern Ukraine.”
Poland – Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Marcin Wojciechowski said on Twitter: “We are deeply moved by horrible tragedy in Eastern Ukraine. Heartfelt condolences to the Malaysian people and relatives of the victims.”
Belgium– Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo offered his deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of the victims of the Malaysia Airlines flight.
Estonia – Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves tweeted: “Our thoughts are with the victims of the horrible downing of the Malaysian flight over Ukraine.”, followed by: “We need a thorough investigation and those responsible at whatever level must be brought to stand trial at the International Criminal Court.”