Durbin to Putin: Take Responsibility for MH17 Crash

Nearly 300 people aboard Malaysia Airlines flight died last week due to an alleged missile attack

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin on Tuesday called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept responsibility for downing a Malaysian Airlines jetliner over eastern Ukraine.

The Illinois Democrat, speaking on the floor of the United States Senate, also said Putin should do what he can to ensure unfettered access to the crash site.

Nearly 300 people aboard Flight 17 died last week due to an alleged missile attack. President Barack Obama has said evidence indicates the airliner was shot down by a surface-to-air missile from an area controlled by Russian-backed separatists.

"All signs point to Putin, the Russians and their supporters in Eastern Ukraine as being responsible," Durbin said.

He called separatists in the region "thugs," and said they've been "armed, financed and inspired by Vladimir Putin and the Russians."

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