Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was destroyed by a Buk surface-to-air missile, the chairman of the Dutch Safety Board has confirmed.
Tjibbe Joustra sat before a ghostly reconstruction of the forward section of the aircraft as he delivered the conclusions of the official 15-month investigation in The Hague on Tuesday.
Some of the nose, cockpit and business class of the Boeing 777, which was shot down over eastern Ukraine on 17 July 2014, have been rebuilt from fragments of the aircraft recovered from the crash scene.
Dutch Safety Board Chairman Tjibbe Joustra confirms MH17 was downed by a Buk surface missile
The room fell silent as the reassembled wreckage, much of it twisted and riddled with holes, was presented.
The Dutch investigators said the missile exploded less than a metre from the MH17 cockpit, killing three crew in the cockpit and breaking off the front of the plane. The aircraft broke up in the air and crashed over a large area controlled by rebel separatists who had been fighting government troops there since April 2014.
Tuesday's report does not apportion blame for the incident, but stated airspace over Eastern Ukraine should have been closed. At least 38 other international flights flew over the area on the day.
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The board said the plane should never have been flying there as Ukraine should have closed its airspace to civil aviation, adding that nobody gave a thought to the dangers to passenger planes.
Investigators found that the 298 passengers and crews would have died very soon after it exploded.
Grieving father Barry Sweeney, whose 28-year-old son Liam was on board, told the BBC the Russian-made Buk missile exploded, hitting the cockpit first, killing the pilots.
The aircraft was downed over eastern Ukraine on July 17 last year
That would have caused disorientation and confusion in the rest of the plane, he said.
"Hopefully most people were unconscious by the time this happened and death would have occurred pretty quick," he said.
"That is a comfort for 298 sets of relatives."
Sweeney's son was travelling from Newcastle with his friend John Alder to watch their beloved Newcastle United play in a pre-season tour of New Zealand.
Ten of those who died in the disaster over rebel-controlled eastern Ukraine were British.
BUK surface-to-air missile system, the same type of missile believed to have been used to shoot down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 on July 17 (stock photo)
The news comes as the Russian maker of the weapon says its own probe contradicts the Dutch findings.
Ukraine and Western countries contend the airliner was downed by a missile fired by Russia-backed rebels or Russian forces, from rebel-controlled territory. Moscow has rejected accusations it supplied the rebels with the weaponry.
In July Russia vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution that would have set up an international tribunal to prosecute those suspected of downing the jet.
Eleven countries on the 15-member council voted in favor of the proposal by Malaysia, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium and Ukraine, while three countries abstained: China, Angola and Venezuela. A resolution needs nine votes in favor to pass and no veto by Russia, the United States, China, Britain or France.
MH17 reconstruction
Dutch Safety Board Issue Their Findings On The MH17 Air Disaster(01 of34)
GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were conscious of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
Dutch Safety Board Issue Their Findings On The MH17 Air Disaster(02 of34)
GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were conscious of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
Dutch Safety Board Issue Their Findings On The MH17 Air Disaster(03 of34)
GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were conscious of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
Dutch Safety Board Issue Their Findings On The MH17 Air Disaster(04 of34)
GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were conscious of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
Dutch Safety Board Issue Their Findings On The MH17 Air Disaster(05 of34)
GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were consciously of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
Dutch Safety Board Issue Their Findings On The MH17 Air Disaster(06 of34)
GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were conscious of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
Dutch Safety Board Issue Their Findings On The MH17 Air Disaster(07 of34)
GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were conscious of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
Dutch Safety Board Issue Their Findings On The MH17 Air Disaster(08 of34)
GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were conscious of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
Dutch Safety Board Issue Their Findings On The MH17 Air Disaster(09 of34)
GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage as TV crew report live from the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were conscious of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were conscious of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were consciously of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were consciously of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were conscious of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were conscious of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were conscious of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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Journalists take images of the wrecked cockipt of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, during a presentation of the final report on the cause of its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. Air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
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The wrecked fuselage of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is presented to the press during a presentation of the final report on the cause of its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. Air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
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The wrecked cockipt of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is presented to the press during a presentation of the final report on the cause of its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. Air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
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The wrecked cockipt of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is presented to the press during a presentation of the final report on the cause of its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. Air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
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GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were consciously of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were consciously of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were consciously of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were consciously of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were consciously of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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GILZE-RIJEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 13: A general view of the cockpit wreckage at the Gilze-Rijen Military Base on October 13, 2015 in Gilze-Rijen, Netherlands. The reports focus on four subjects: the cause of the crash, the issue of flying over conflict areas, the question why Dutch surviving relatives of the victims had to wait two to four days before receiving confirmation from the Dutch authorities that their loved ones were on board flight MH17, and lastly the question to what extent the occupants of flight MH17 were consciously of the crash. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) (credit:Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
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Dutch Safety Board Chairman Tjibbe Joustra speaks in front of the wrecked cockpit of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 during the presentation of the final report on the cause of the its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. The screen shows on the right that a BUK missile struck MH17 on left side of cockpit, as air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
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The wrecked cockipt of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is presented to the press during a presentation of the final report on the cause of the its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. Air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
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The wrecked cockipt of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is presented to the press during a presentation of the final report on the cause of the its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. Air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
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The wrecked cockipt of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is exhibited during a presentation of the final report on the cause of the its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. Air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
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Dutch Safety Board Chairman Tjibbe Joustra speaks in front of the wrecked cockpit of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is exhibited during a presentation of the final report on the cause of the its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. Air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
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Dutch Safety Board Chairman Tjibbe Joustra speaks in front of the wrecked cockpit of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is exhibited during a presentation of the final report on the cause of the its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. Air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
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The wrecked cockipt of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is exhibited during a presentation of the final report on the cause of the its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. Air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
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The wrecked cockipt of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is exhibited during a presentation of the final report on the cause of the its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. Air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
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The wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is exhibited during a presentation of the final report on the cause of the its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase October 13, 2015. Air crash investigators have concluded that Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile fired from rebel-held eastern Ukraine, sources close to the inquiry said today, triggering a swift Russian denial. The findings are likely to exacerbate the tensions between Russia and the West, as ties have strained over the Ukraine conflict and Moscow's entry into the Syrian war. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:EMMANUEL DUNAND via Getty Images)
However, a statement from the Russian state-controlled Almaz-Antey arms-maker said a draft of the Dutch report found the plane was shot down by a Buk missile warhead that uses submunitions shaped like a capital letter I.
Almaz-Antey says it conducted two experiments - in one of which a Buk missile was detonated near the nose of an airplane similar to a 777 - that contradict that conclusion.
The experimental aircraft's remains showed a much different submunitions damage pattern than seen on the remnants of MH17, the company said in a statement.
The experiments also refute what it said was the Dutch version, that the missile was fired from Snizhne, a village that was under rebel control. An Associated Press reporter saw a Buk missile system in that vicinity on the same day.
Almaz-Antey in June had said that a preliminary investigation suggested that the plane was downed by a model of Buk that is no longer in service with the Russian military but that was part of the Ukrainian military arsenal.
Information from the first experiment, in which a missile was fired at aluminum sheets mimicking an airliner's fuselage, was presented to the Dutch investigators, but was not taken into account, Almaz-Antey chief Yan Novikov said at a news conference.
Novikov said evidence shows that if the plane was hit by a Buk, it was fired from the village of Zaroshenske, which Russia says was under Ukrainian government control at the time.
A U.S. official told The Associated Press that the draft report said the plane was destroyed by a Buk surface-to-air missile fired from the village of Snizhne; the official who was not authorised to comment publicly, spoke on condition of anonymity.
Many reports, including an investigation by the open-source group Bellingcat, also suggest the plane was downed by a missile fired from near Snizhne.
Victims of MH17
Victims of Air Malaysia Flight MH17
Mo, Evie and Otis Maslin (01 of28)
Mo (12), Evie (10) and Otis Maslin (8) were on their way back to Perth with their grandfather, local businessman Nick Norris, after a family holiday in Amsterdam.
Nick Norris(02 of28)
Mo, Evie and Otis Maslin's grandfather.
Glenn Thomas from Blackpool (03 of28)
Glenn Thomas was a media officer at the World Health Organisation who was described as a "wonderful person and a great professional".
Elaine Teoh and her long-time boyfriend Emiel Mahler, both died on flight MH17. (04 of28)
Elaine Teoh, 27, was from Penang, in Malaysia, but lived in Melbourne, where she was a student, according to her Facebook page. Dutch national Emiel Mahler, Elaine’s boyfriend, was also a victim who lived in Melbourne.
Sydney Catholic nun and teacher Sister Philomene Tiernan(05 of28)
Monsignor Tony Doherty, parish priest at Rose Bay, knew Sister Philomene for 30 years."The first thing you think about her is an incredibly gentle personality ... one of those blithe gentle spirits that you never touch without coming away a little bit enriched," he told Richard Glover on 702 ABC Sydney.
Joep Lange(06 of28)
Joep Lange was a leading clinical researcher from the Netherlands, and a former president of the International AIDS Society. "How do we measure how much a person has done for humanity? People like Joep change the course of epidemics," a friend tweeted.
Albert and Maree Rizk(07 of28)
Sunbury couple Albert and Marie Rizk were due to return home today after spending a month holidaying in Europe. It has been reported the couple were not scheduled to be on the doomed MH17 but boarded after missing an earlier flight.
Regis Crolla(08 of28)
Regis Crolla posted an image on Instagram before his flight, with the comment "AMS --> Kuala Lumpur --> Bali."
Regis Crolla's flight details, which he posted on Instagram(09 of28)
Pilot Eugene Choo Jin Leong (10 of28)
Pim de Kuijer(11 of28)
Pim de Kuijer was Dutch and a parliamentary lobbyist for Stop Aids Now! He died on his way to an Aids conference in Melbourne, a journey "which typified his concern for others," his friend wrote for The Guardian.
Flight steward Sanjid Singh(12 of28)
Shazana Salleh (13 of28)
Shazana Salleh was also reportedly a flight attendant on board the flight.
Pathologist Roger Guard (14 of28)
Roger Guard was travelling with his wife, Jill. The pair, from Queensland, have been remembered for their "lifetime of service" to their community.
GP Jill Guard(15 of28)
Gerry and Mary Menke(16 of28)
Australians Mary and Gerry Menke were on their way home from a holiday when they boarded the flight. They are among 10 Victorians confirmed dead in the crash.
Helena Sidelik(17 of28)
Helena Sidelik was on her way home after travelling to Amsterdam for a friend’s wedding.
Martine de Schutter(18 of28)
Martine de Schutter worked for AIDS Action Europe,
Azrina Binti Yakob(19 of28)
Angeline Premila (20 of28)
Liliane Derden(21 of28)
Frankie and Liam Davison(22 of28)
Cor Pan (left) and his partner Neeltje Tol(23 of28)
Richard Mayne, thought to have been a student at Leeds University(24 of28)
Ben Pocock(25 of28)
Ben Pocock, a former Wellsway School pupil who was studying at Loughborough University and believed to be in his early 20s, was on board Flight MH17, Bristol Post is reporting.
452327758(26 of28)
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Ninik Yuriani was reportedly on the first leg of a trip back to Central Java
(28 of28)
Yuli Hastini, John Paulissen and their two children Arjuna and Sri who were on board the Air Malaysia flight
MH17 crash over the Ukraine
Experts restarted the inspections in the crash site of flight MH-17 in Ukraine(01 of38)
DONETSK, UKRAINE - APRIL 16: Workers, under the supervision of the Dutch and Malaysian experts, inspect the area where Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crashed on 17th of July 2014, in Donetsk, Ukraine on April 16, 2015. The re-started inspections of the wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is being conducted by Dutch and Malaysian experts. The crash site had been inspected and the wreckage removed almost completely from the area, previously. (Photo by Alexander Ermochenko /Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) (credit:Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Experts restarted the inspections in the crash site of flight MH-17 in Ukraine(02 of38)
DONETSK, UKRAINE - APRIL 16: Workers, under the supervision of the Dutch and Malaysian experts, inspect the area where Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crashed on 17th of July 2014, in Donetsk, Ukraine on April 16, 2015. The re-started inspections of the wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is being conducted by Dutch and Malaysian experts. The crash site had been inspected and the wreckage removed almost completely from the area, previously. (Photo by Alexander Ermochenko /Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) (credit:Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Ukraine MH17 Where Things Stand(03 of38)
ADVANCE, HOLD FOR UKRAINE MH17 WHERE THINGS STAND FILE In this Thursday, July 17, 2014 file photo people walk amongst the debris at the crash site of a passenger plane near the village of Grabove, Ukraine. A year since a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 was blown out of the sky over war-ravaged eastern Ukraine, killing 298 people, there has been little definitive progress in determining what brought down Flight MH17. (AP Photo/Dmitry Lovetsky, file) (credit:Dmitry Lovetsky/AP)
UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CRISIS-MALAYSIA-ACCIDENT-CRASH(04 of38)
Members a team of Dutch experts team work at the crash site of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 near the village of Grabove in eastern Ukraine, on March 24, 2015. The flight MH17 was shot down on July 17, 2014 with 298 people on board. AFP PHOTO / DIMITAR DILKOFF (Photo credit should read DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DIMITAR DILKOFF via Getty Images)
UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CRISIS-MALAYSIA-ACCIDENT-CRASH(05 of38)
Members a team of Dutch experts team work at the crash site of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 near the village of Grabove in eastern Ukraine, on March 24, 2015. The flight MH17 was shot down on July 17, 2014 with 298 people on board. AFP PHOTO / DIMITAR DILKOFF (Photo credit should read DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DIMITAR DILKOFF via Getty Images)
UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CRISIS-MALAYSIA-ACCIDENT-CRASH(06 of38)
Members a team of Dutch experts team work at the crash site of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 near the village of Grabove in eastern Ukraine, on March 24, 2015. The flight MH17 was shot down on July 17, 2014 with 298 people on board. AFP PHOTO / DIMITAR DILKOFF (Photo credit should read DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:DIMITAR DILKOFF via Getty Images)
Malaysia Ukraine Plane(07 of38)
A Malaysia Airlines crew member places a flower next to candles forming the letters MH17 after a multi-faith prayers for the victims of the downed Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 at Malaysia Airlines Academy in Kelana Jaya, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Friday, July 25, 2014. A small group of Dutch and Australian investigators walked the sprawling, unsecured site where Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 went down as their governments prepared police detachments they hope can help protect the crash area and help bring the last of the victims home. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Netherlands Ukraine Plane(08 of38)
Parts of the wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 are displayed in a hangar at Gilze-Rijen airbase, Netherlands, Tuesday, March 3, 2015. The plane was brought down over conflict-torn eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014 and Dutch investigators are still probing the cause of the crash that killed all 298 people on board. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Netherlands Ukraine Plane(09 of38)
Parts of the wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 are displayed in a hangar at Gilze-Rijen airbase, Netherlands, Tuesday, March 3, 2015. The plane was brought down over conflict-torn eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014 and Dutch investigators are still probing the cause of the crash that killed all 298 people on board. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Malaysia Bodies Returned(10 of38)
Mohamed Salleh, center, father of Nur Shazana, a crew member who was killed in the downing of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, touches his daughter's coffin during a burial ceremony at Taman Selatan Muslim cemetery in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. Carried by soldiers and draped in the national flag, coffins carrying Malaysian victims of Flight MH17 returned home Friday to a country still searching for those onboard another doomed jet and a government battling the political fallout of the twin tragedies. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
APTOPIX Malaysia Bodies Returned(11 of38)
Family members of Nur Shazana, a Malaysia Airlines crew member who was among the victims onboard Flight MH17, cry during a burial ceremony at Taman Selatan Muslim cemetery in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. Carried by soldiers and draped in the national flag, coffins carrying Malaysian victims of Flight MH17 returned home Friday to a country still searching for those onboard another doomed jet and a government battling the political fallout of the twin tragedies. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Malaysia Bodies Returned(12 of38)
Malaysian Army soldiers carry a coffin containing the body of Mohd Ghafar Abu Bakar, a Malaysia Airlines in-flight supervisor who was among the victims on board Flight MH17, upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Malaysia Bodies Returned(13 of38)
A Malaysian Army soldier carries an urn containing ashes of passenger Ng Shi Ing who was among the victims on board Flight MH17, upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Malaysia Bodies Returned(14 of38)
Malaysian Army soldiers carry a coffin containing the body of Mohd Ghafar Abu Bakar, a Malaysia Airlines in-flight supervisor who was among the victims onboard Flight MH17, upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine(15 of38)
MH17 flight recovery team members examine one of the areas of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 plane crash in the village of Rossypne, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Mstyslan Chernov) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine(16 of38)
MH17 flight recovery team members examine one of the areas of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 plane crash in the village of Hrabove, Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Mstyslan Chernov) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Netherlands Ukraine Plane(17 of38)
Journalists take images of parts of the wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 displayed in a hangar at Gilze Rijen airbase, Netherlands, Tuesday, March 3, 2015. The plane was brought down over conflict-torn eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014 and Dutch investigators are still probing the cause of the crash that killed all 298 people on board. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Netherlands Ukraine Plane(18 of38)
Yellow and black markers are seen on a parts of the wing of the wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, displayed in a hangar at Gilze-Rijen airbase, Netherlands, Tuesday, March 3, 2015. The plane was brought down over conflict-torn eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014 and Dutch investigators are still probing the cause of the crash that killed all 298 people on board. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine MH17(19 of38)
A boy waves a flag of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic at a memorial to the victims of the Malaysian Airlines MH17 plane crash at the crash site near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, July 16, 2015. A year since a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 was blown out of the sky over war-ravaged eastern Ukraine, killing 298 people, there has been little official word of progress in determining what brought down Flight MH17. (AP Photo/Mstyslav Chernov) (credit:Mstyslav Chernov/AP)
Ukraine MH17(20 of38)
Russia-backed separatist APC rides by an Orthodox cross with a sign reading Save and Guard, with a memorial to the victims of the Malaysian Airlines MH17 plane crash, in the back, near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, July 16, 2015. A year since a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 was blown out of the sky over war-ravaged eastern Ukraine, killing 298 people, there has been little official word of progress in determining what brought down Flight MH17. (AP Photo/Mstyslav Chernov) (credit:Mstyslav Chernov/AP)
Ukraine MH17(21 of38)
Russia-backed separatists guard at the crash site of the Malaysian Airlines MH17 plane near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, July 16, 2015. The fighters said they arrived to protect the media and made sure the MH17 crash site was cleared of ammunition and mines. A year since a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 was blown out of the sky over war-ravaged eastern Ukraine, killing 298 people, there has been little official word of progress in determining what brought down Flight MH17. (AP Photo/Mstyslav Chernov) (credit:Mstyslav Chernov/AP)
Ukraine MH17(22 of38)
Russia-backed separatists guard at the crash site of the Malaysian Airlines MH17 plane near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine, Thursday, July 16, 2015. The fighters said they arrived to protect the media and made sure the MH17 crash site was cleared of ammunition and mines. A year since a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 was blown out of the sky over war-ravaged eastern Ukraine, killing 298 people, there has been little official word of progress in determining what brought down Flight MH17. (AP Photo/Mstyslav Chernov) (credit:Mstyslav Chernov/AP)
A woman places flowers in commemoration of the victims of(23 of38)
KYIV, UKRAINE - 2015/07/17: A woman places flowers in commemoration of the victims of Malaysia Airlines MH17 plane accident in eastern Ukraine, in front of the Dutch embassy in Kiev. The date marks one year after the plane was shot down over Ukraine killing 298 people. (Photo by Iren Moroz/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) (credit:Pacific Press via Getty Images)
Ukraine MH17 Anniversary(24 of38)
People stand with Orthodox crosses and icons as they attend a memorial service at the crash site of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine, Friday, July 17, 2015. In a solemn procession, residents of the Ukrainian village where a Malaysian airliner was shot down with 298 people aboard a year ago marched Friday to the crash site. (AP Photo/Mstyslav Chernov) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine MH17 Anniversary(25 of38)
Local residents holding flowers and flags of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic attend a memorial ceremony at the crash site of the Malaysian Airlines MH17 plane near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine, Friday, July 17, 2015. In the eastern Ukrainian village of Hrabove, residents carrying flowers gathered in a church for a memorial service and a procession at the crash site where a Malaysian airliner was shot down with 298 people aboard a year ago. A ceremony was organized by local leaders and the Russia-backed rebels who control the area. (AP Photo/Antoine E.R. Delaunay) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine MH17 Anniversary(26 of38)
People holding flags of countries of the victims who were killed in the crash of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, attend a memorial ceremony at the crash site near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine, Friday, July 17, 2015. In the eastern Ukrainian village of Hrabove, residents carrying flowers gathered in a church for a memorial service and a procession at the crash site where a Malaysian airliner was shot down with 298 people aboard a year ago. A ceremony was organized by local leaders and the Russia-backed rebels who control the area. (AP Photo/Antoine E.R. Delaunay) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine MH17 Anniversary(27 of38)
Rebel leaders Alexander Zakharchenko, second right, and Denis Pushilin, third right, attend a memorial ceremony at the crash site of the Malaysian Airlines MH17 plane near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine, Friday, July 17, 2015. In the eastern Ukrainian village of Hrabove, residents carrying flowers gathered in a church for a memorial service and a procession at the crash site where a Malaysian airliner was shot down with 298 people aboard a year ago. The ceremony was organized by local leaders and the Russia-backed rebels who control the area. (AP Photo/Antoine E.R. Delaunay) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine MH17 Anniversary(28 of38)
Russia-backed rebels stand guard as people holding flags of countries of the victims who were killed in the crash of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, gather for a memorial ceremony at the crash site near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine, Friday, July 17, 2015. In the eastern Ukrainian village of Hrabove, residents carrying flowers gathered in a church for a memorial service and a procession at the crash site where a Malaysian airliner was shot down with 298 people aboard a year ago. The ceremony was organized by local leaders and the Russia-backed rebels who control the area. (AP Photo/Antoine E.R. Delaunay) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Netherlands MH17 Anniversary(29 of38)
Asmaa Aljuned, the widow of the planeâs co-pilot Ahmad Hakimi speaks during a commemoration ceremony in Nieuwegein, near the central city of Utrecht, Netherlands, Friday, July 17, 2015. Relatives of the 298 people killed when Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was brought down July 17 last year over war-torn eastern Ukraine are meeting Friday afternoon to commemorate the first anniversary of the MH17 disaster. (AP Photo/Frank van Beek Pool) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Netherlands MH17 Anniversary(30 of38)
Relatives gather during a commemoration ceremony in Nieuwegein, near the central city of Utrecht, Netherlands, Friday, July 17, 2015. Relatives of the 298 people killed when Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was brought down July 17 last year over war-torn eastern Ukraine are meeting Friday afternoon to commemorate the first anniversary of the MH17 disaster. (AP Photo/Frank van Beek, Pool) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine MH17 Anniversary(31 of38)
People lay flowers and toys at the Netherlands Embassy for the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 crash victims, in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, July 17, 2015. Residents of the Ukrainian village where the Malaysian airliner was shot down with 298 people aboard a year ago joined a procession to the crash site on Friday, while Australia's prime minister remembered the "savagery" of the disaster as he unveiled a plaque in Canberra that's set in soil from where the wreckage fell. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine MH17 Anniversary(32 of38)
People lay flowers at the Netherlands Embassy for the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 crash victims, in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, July 17, 2015. Residents of the Ukrainian village where the Malaysian airliner was shot down with 298 people aboard a year ago joined a procession to the crash site on Friday, while Australia's prime minister remembered the "savagery" of the disaster as he unveiled a plaque in Canberra that's set in soil from where the wreckage fell. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine MH17 Anniversary(33 of38)
People lay flowers at the Netherlands Embassy for the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 crash victims, in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, July 17, 2015. Residents of the Ukrainian village where the Malaysian airliner was shot down with 298 people aboard a year ago joined a procession to the crash site on Friday, while Australia's prime minister remembered the "savagery" of the disaster as he unveiled a plaque in Canberra that's set in soil from where the wreckage fell. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine MH17 Anniversary(34 of38)
Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko addresses to people during a MN17 airliner crash commemoration ceremony in a Catholic church in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, July 17, 2015. Residents of the Ukrainian village where the Malaysian airliner was shot down with 298 people aboard a year ago joined a procession to the crash site on Friday, while Australia's prime minister remembered the "savagery" of the disaster as he unveiled a plaque in Canberra that's set in soil from where the wreckage fell. (AP Photo/Mikhail Palinchak, Pool) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Australia MH17 Anniversary(35 of38)
Relatives of the Australian victims of Malaysia Airlines jet MH17 attend a service for the unveiling of a memorial outside Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Friday, July 17, 2015. Tearful relatives of several Australians who were flying on the Malaysian jetliner that was shot down over eastern Ukraine a year ago gathered for a memorial service Friday that included the unveiling of a plaque set in soil from the place where they died. (David Gray/Pool Photo via AP) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Australia MH17 Anniversary(36 of38)
A relative of the Australian victims of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 reacts during a service for the unveiling of a memorial outside Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Friday, July 17, 2015. Tearful relatives of several Australians who were flying on the Malaysian jetliner that was shot down over eastern Ukraine a year ago gathered for a memorial service Friday that included the unveiling of a plaque set in soil from the place where they died. (David Gray/Pool Photo via AP) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine MH17 Anniversary(37 of38)
Ukrainian men hold flowers as they offer them at the Netherlands Embassy for the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 crash victims, in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, July 17, 2015. Residents of the Ukrainian village where the Malaysian airliner was shot down with 298 people aboard a year ago joined a procession to the crash site on Friday, while Australia's prime minister remembered the "savagery" of the disaster as he unveiled a plaque in Canberra that's set in soil from where the wreckage fell. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ukraine MH17 Anniversary(38 of38)
People carry an Orthodox cross and icons walk to attend a memorial service at the crash site of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, near the village of Hrabove, eastern Ukraine, Friday, July 17, 2015. Residents of the Ukrainian village where the Malaysian airliner was shot down with 298 people aboard a year ago began a procession to the crash site on Friday, while the Australian prime minister remembered the âsavageryâ of the disaster by unveiling a plaque in Canberra thatâs set in soil from the place where the plane went down. (AP Photo/Mstyslav Chernov) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)