The Russian President Vladimir Putin has said his government will use its influence with separatists in eastern Ukraine to allow a full investigation into the downing of flight MH17.<br /><br />But he told a meeting of defence and security chiefs in Moscow that the West must also put pressure on the Ukrainian government to end hostilities.<br /><br />“We are asked to influence the rebels. We will do all we can for sure. But that will not be enough,” Putin said. <br /><br />Citing an alleged attack by Ukrainian tanks in Donetsk, Putin continued: “We have to urge Kyiv to respect elementary norms of decency and introduce a ceasefire at least for a short period while the investigation is ongoing.”<br /><br />Putin’s comments were his first detailed public response to Western criticism of Russia since the crash.<br /><br />The president said that Moscow would stand by separatists, whom he described as part of a popular uprising against an illegal coup.<br /><br />But he did not comment on whether Russia has been arming the rebels, although he has previously denied such accusations.
