The social media world has been expressing grief and outrage over the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 on July 17, much more so than at any time during the war regain in eastern Ukraine, which has to date has claimed 478 civilian lives. In addition, over 240 Ukrainian servicemen have lost their lives in the line of duty since Russian proxy insurgents began taking over parts of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts in early March.
The Boeing 777 went down near the village of Grabovo, Donetsk Oblast, killing all 298 onboard. Immediately after the tragedy became known, politicians, economists and businessmen from many countries began to express their opinions its causes over social networks.
The victims represented the following nationalities: The Netherlands – 189, Malaysia – 44, Australia – 27, Indonesia – 12, United Kingdom – 9, Belgium – 4, Germany – 4, The Philippines – 3, Canada – 1, New Zealand – 1.
Damon M. Wilson, American foreign policy advisor and current executive vice president at the Atlantic Council of the United States
“It’s pretty difficult to dodge culpability if you have clear Russian fingerprints on the shooting down of MH17.
Situation in Eastern Ukraine is not ‘complicated.’ Putin is waging KGB-style war agst Ukraine. There would be no conflict w/o Kremlin lead role.”
Jim Sciutto, CNN’s Chief National Security
“With 9 Germans and 4 British killed on MH17 will Europe drop its reluctance for stronger sanctions on Russia over Ukraine? Germany’s Merkel says “Russia’s responsibility is clear” in MH17 crash. If Russia loses Germany, costs to Putin severe.”
Noah Sneider, freelance journalist
“At crash site of MH17. Bodies everywhere, organs splayed out. Too gruesome to post photographs. This is an absolute disaster.”
Charlie Robertson, Global chief economist, head of macro-strategy, Renaissance Capital
“A deadly propaganda war: Pro-Russian separatists are deleting everything related to Buk and MH17.”
Nicholas Burns, Harvard Kennedy School Professor and former American Diplomat
“Need truth from Putin on malaysianplanecrash but likely won’t get it. Will European Union now finally act on tough sanctions?”
William Rice, Moscow-based hedge fund manager
“Seeing evidence already of Russian businesses putting new projects on hold after last night’s tragedy. A line has been crossed.”
“MH17’s flight plan was approved by Eurocontrol, who are responsible for determining flight paths.”
Kraig Pirrong, professor at the University of Houston
“MH17 did not “crash”. It was shot from the skies. It is not a “tragedy”. It is an atrocity. If you had any doubts that is a pro-Russian agitprop operation, check out its coverage of MH17.”
Alexander Sidiakin, “Edynaia Rossia” deputy
“It’s outrageous that Russia is accused of this plane crash. For the deaths, Poroshenko should be responsible.”
