Putin vows to press rebels, help MH17 crash probe

MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin promised Tuesday to do everything possible to influence pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine and help ensure a full probe into the Malaysia Airlines crash last week.

“Russia will do everything in its power for a full, comprehensive, deep, and transparent investigation,” Putin told a meeting of Russia’s national security council, Russian agencies reported.

“We are asked to exert influence on the militants of the south-east (of Ukraine). Of course we will do everything in our power.”