U.S.: No Evidence of Direct Russian Link to Plane

Dutch authorities say they have identified 127 victims from the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 disaster in Ukraine.

 

Flight 17 was shot down in eastern Ukraine last month, killing all 298 aboard. With fighting between pro-Russia separatist rebels and Ukrainian forces ongoing near the crash site, victims' remains were gathered and sent to the Netherlands for identification.

 

The Justice Ministry said Thursday the identified victims' families have been notified.

 

One of the Netherlands' top prosecutors has said he hopes those responsible for downing the plane will one day face trial in the Netherlands.

 

In remarks confirmed by his office, chief prosecutor Fred Westerbeke said he expects the case will take years to build.

 

The Netherlands and other countries have launched criminal investigations, and jurisdiction is not clear.   (AP)