Dutch PM expresses anger following Putin phone call
An angry Dutch prime minister says he has had an “extremely intense” telephone conversation with Russian president Vladimir Putin in which he urged him to “show the world he intends to help” in the investigation into the Ukraine air disaster.
Mark Rutte said to reporters that he told Mr Putin he must use his influence over separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine to ensure they do not hinder efforts to investigate the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.
The plane crashed on Thursday, killing all 298 passengers and crew, most of them Dutch citizens.
Mr Rutte says he was “shocked by images of completely disrespectful behaviour” of rebels picking through the wreckage and personal belongings of victims at the scene.
