A Ukrainian transport plane was shot down today by Separatists. The Ukrainian air forces can't operate in Russian Separatist-held areas.

Rebels in the Donetsk Peoples Republic denied any responsibility for the attack on the Malaysian aircraft.

23 Americans were aboard the downed Boeing 777 plane. British passports were found on some victims and there were at least four French nationals and a number of Dutch.

Reports from Reuters and Associated Press.


Increased sanctions against Russia are expected and have been threatened by Obama if Russia doesn't change course in Ukraine.
Hundreds of civilians have been killed.
(Reuters)

Without outside help, a large portion of eastern Ukraine may be lost; a region with much of Ukrainian industrial output.