ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)<br/> <br />White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters on Thursday (July 17) that the White House is aware of reports that a Malaysian airliner crashed in Ukraine.<br/> <br />"I can tell you that we are aware of reports of a downed passenger jet near the Russia - Ukraine border. The President has been briefed on these reports. The President has directed his team to be in close touch with senior Ukrainian officials on this matter but I am not in a position, at this point, to confirm any of the details that are included in those reports. The President has been asked to be updated over the course of the day, Earnest said.<br/> <br />Asked by reporters whether the White House could confirm reports the plane was shot down, Earnest said," I am not in a position to confirm. I know there are a number of reports speculating about the possible cause but I am not in a position to confirm."<br/> <br />Interfax-Ukraine news agency has reported that a Malaysian airliner was s
