Possible BUK missile parts found at MH17 crash site

They say the parts, possibly from a Buk surface-to-air system, are “of particular interest” and could help determine who was involved in the crash.

But the prosecutors warned that no conclusion could yet be drawn that the discovered parts have a causal connection to the MH17 crash.

The Malaysia Airlines flight came down over rebel-held Ukraine in July last year, 298 people on board, including 80 children.

MH17 investigators say they have found parts of a “possible” BUK missile – the surface-to-air weapon developed by Russian Federation.

Prosecutors from the countries affected most – Netherlands, Malaysia, Belgium, Australia and Ukraine – are investigating the crash, but it is not clear where, when or how any suspects would be tried if they are identified. “For that reason the JIT further investigates the origin of these parts”. Dutch authorities have conducted several missions to the site to recover human remains, victims’ belongings and parts of the downed Boeing 777.

The Dutch were asked to lead the probe because 193 of its citizens were onboard the plane on a scheduled flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

Russian Federation and the rebels deny any responsibility and point the finger at Ukraine’s military.

A report by the Dutch Safety Board into the cause of the crash is expected by the end of October, while the separate global criminal investigation is likely to take months more to complete.