Highlights from Obama’s first public comments on the Malaysian Airlines crash:

  • Obama says separatists have received a steady flow of support from Russian including heavy weapons and anti-aircraft weapons
  • Obama says evidence shows a surface-to-air missile shot down the plane
  • Missile was fired from rebel area (not Russia as has been rumored)

My best case scenario for this speech was a call for peace and a ceasefire might be a step towards that. He’s still talking though.

Continuing:

  • So far Russia has refused to take the path of peace
  • So far Russia has failed to use its influence to press separatists to abide by a ceasefire
  • Too early to guess what were the intentions of those who launched the surface to air missile

He seems to be giving Russia another chance without pointing the finger too much.

Update 2:

  • US has the capacity to increase sanctions on Russia and is prepared to do so
  • Obama does not see a military role in the conflict
  • Separatists couldn’t shoot down planes without sophisticated training from Russia

A bit more hawkish.