President Barack Obama on Friday called for “Russia and pro-Russia separates” to “adhere to a ceasefire” so the international community can fully investigate the crash of Malaysian Airlines flight MH-17, which was “shot down” July 18 over Ukraine killing all 298 people aboard. At least one American was killed in the crash, said Obama, who expressed his condolences to the families of all those killed. “This was a global tragedy. An Asian airliner was destroyed in European skies, filled with citizens from many countries. So there has to be a credible international investigation into what happened,” said Obama. “The U.N. Security Council has endorsed this investigation, and we will hold all its members—including Russia—to their word.” But State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki also said on Friday the US is “deeply concerned” about the lack of access to the crash site. She said Russia-backed separatists only allowed monitors “75 minutes at the site” on July 18 and “less than three hours” on July 19. “The site is not secure, and there are multiple reports of bodies being removed, parts of the plane and other debris being hauled away, and potential evidence tampered with,” she said. “This is unacceptable and an affront to all those who lost loved ones and to the dignity the victims deserve.” (Obama statement) (Psaki transcript)
Airman Charged in M18 Shooting Death Found Dead
Oct. 27, 2025
The Airman arrested in connection with the M18 pistol discharge that killed a fellow member of Air Force security forces on July 20 in Wyoming was found dead earlier this month, an Air Force spokesperson confirmed.
