Russia must co-operate with

Call after investigators claim Flight MH17 shot with Federation missile

Russia must engage constructively with investigations into the shooting down of a Malaysian airliner flying over Ukraine, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has insisted.

The call came after Dutch-led criminal investigators said they have solid evidence that the jetwashit by a Buk missile moved into eastern Ukraine from Russia.

Head of the central crime investigation department of the Dutch National Police, Wilbert Paulissen, said that communications intercepts showed proMoscow rebels had called for deployment of the mobile surface-to-air weapon, and reported its arrival in rebel-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine.

“It may be concluded MH17 was shot down by a 9M38 missile launched by a Buk, brought in from the territory of the Russian Federation, and that after launch was subsequently returned to the Russian Federation,” Mr Paulissen said.

Mr Jo h n s o n said Moscow must co-operate with the continuing investigation into how the downing, which cost 298 lives, occurred.

“Today’s progress in the investigation is an important step towards securing justice for the 298 people who lost their lives and for their families and friends who continue to deal with this awful tragedy.

“The investigation is essential to ensure that those responsible face prosecution and to deliver the accountability. Today’s initial criminal report offers clear evidence that the missile was Russian-made, and launched from within territory held by Russianbacked separatist groups. We ask thatRussia now engages constructively with the findings and ongoing investigation. It is important that investigations to confirm the motivation for

DEBRIS: People walk among the wreckage of Flight MH17 shortly after it came down near the village of Grabovo, Ukraine

Boris Johnson