The crash site of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17- near the village of Hrabove in Donetsk region, Ukraine. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The international team investigating the 2014 disaster announced murder charges against three Russians and one Ukrainian on Wednesday for their alleged roles in the attack, which killed all 298 people on board. Speaking to reporters, Mr Putin said “there is no proof whatsoever” behind the charges and criticised the investigators, saying they ignored evidence provided by Russia.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday rejected the implication that Russia may have been involved in the downing of the plane. He said he doesn't think the findings of the international investigative team "is true at all" as it was based on hearsay.