Russian ambassador slams MH17 claim
The Kremlin was not responsible for supplying weapons to separatist rebels accused of bringing down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, Russia’s ambassador to London has said.
Alexander Yakovenko said claims by Kiev and Washington that Moscow and the pro-Russia separatists were behind the downing of the plane did not “hold water”.
Speaking at a news conference at the Russian embassy, he warned that any attempt by the West to impose further sanctions against Russia would be seen in Moscow as evidence of a “cover-up”.
“Russia doesn’t supply weapons to local de facto (separatist) authorities in eastern Ukraine. No evidence whatsoever has been presented that the Russian government has been doing this,” he told reporters.
“Needless to say, we will consider any further sanctions against us and the measures of political pressure as the clear evidence that our Western partners cannot substantiate their allegations and (are) eager to engage in a cover-up of the true causes of the MH17 tragedy.”
