The U.S. President Barack Obama said Friday the Malaysian airliner flight MH17 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile, launched from an area controlled by Russian-backed separatists inside of Ukraine.
Obama, speaking at a White House press conference, said the perpetrator has yet to be found.
"We also know that this is not the first time a plane has been shot down in eastern Ukraine. Over the past several weeks, Russian-backed separatists shot down a Ukrainian transport plane and a Ukrainian helicopter, and they claimed responsibility for shooting down a Ukrainian fighter jet," he added.
Obama blamed Russia for the Ukrainian separatists' capability of downing aircraft as Russia has been arming them with anti-aircraft missiles and heavy weaponry.
Obama stated the UN Security Council endorsed a credible investigation of the case, and confirmed they expect all Security Council members including Russia to act on their commitment.
"In order to facilitate that investigation, Russia, pro-Russian separatists and Ukraine must adhere to an immediate cease-fire," he said.
Obama also announced that one American citizen, Quinn Lucas Shantzman, was killed in the MH17, adding that there may be more.
- Sanctions on Russia
Obama blamed Russia for the escalation of the violence in Eastern Ukraine, and in his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning the newly announced sanctions, he said he made it clear that Russia should take the path that would result in peace in Ukraine but so far Russia failed to do so.
He also stressed that violence would stop if Russia ceased supporting the separatists which would give way to negotiations for a political solution.
"He (Putin) has the most control over that situation, and so far, at least, he has not exercised it," Obama added.
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