Vladimir Putin says ‘no proof’ the Russians shot down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected charges against Russian citizens for their alleged roles in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine five years ago.

The international team investigating the 2014 disaster announced murder charges against three Russians and one Ukrainian on Wednesday for their alleged roles in the attack, which killed all 298 people on board.

Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Mr Putin said “there is no proof whatsoever” behind the charges and criticised the investigators, saying they ignored evidence provided by Russia.

He blamed Ukraine for setting the stage for the tragedy, saying they failed to close their airspace to commercial flights despite the separatist fighting in the east.