Putin calls for ceasefire in eastern Ukraine in aftermath of MH17 attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a ceasefire in the conflict between pro-Russian separatists and the Ukrainian military in the aftermath of MH17 being shot down this morning.

According to Russian media reports, Put said that “peace in Ukraine must prevail as soon as possible” and called on both sides of the conflict to engage in discussion as quickly as possible.

“It is with great concern and sadness that we are watching what is happening in eastern Ukraine,” Mr Putin said.

“It’s awful, it’s a tragedy.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel joined Mr Putin in calling for a ceasefire that would allow a thorough international investigation into the crash of MH17.

She said that recent events made it clear that a political resolution needed to be reached in Ukraine, and that Russia needed to be a part of any diplomatic solution.