An worldwide staff of investigators stated Wednesday it discovered “strong indications” that Russian President Vladimir Putin permitted the availability of heavy anti-aircraft weapons to Ukrainian separatists who shot down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014 with a Russian missile.
However, members of the Joint Investigation Team stated that they had inadequate proof to prosecute Putin or another suspects. They have suspended their eight-and-a-half-year inquiry into the capturing down of the airplane that killed all 298 individuals onboard, flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.
Russia denies accountability
Russia has at all times denied any involvement within the downing of the flight over jap Ukraine on 17 July 2014 and refused to cooperate with the worldwide investigation.
Dutch prosecutors stated “there are strong indications that the Russian president decided on supplying” a Buk missile system to Ukrainian separatists.
“Although we speak of strong indications, the high bar of complete and conclusive evidence is not reached,” Dutch prosecutor Digna van Boetzelaer said, adding that without Russian cooperation, “the investigation has now reached its limit.
“All leads have been exhausted.”
She additionally stated that Putin, as head of state, would have immunity from prosecution within the Netherlands. The staff performed a recording of an intercepted telephone name through which they stated the president may very well be heard discussing the battle in jap Ukraine.
“Are we dissatisfied? No, as a result of we expect we got here additional than we had ever thought in 2014,” Andy Kraag from the Dutch police said.
“Would now we have favored to return additional? Of course, sure.”
For extra watch Euronews’ report within the video above.
