International investigators on Wednesday reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin played an active role in the shooting down of passenger plane MH17.

The plane was shot down over eastern Ukraine in July 2014.

According to the investigators in The Hague, the conclusion emerged from intercepted telephone conversations.

A Russian BUK air defence missile shot down the Malaysia Airlines Boeing over contested territory in July 2014. All 298 people on board died.

Investigators said there were “strong indications” that the decision was taken by Putin, but there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.

Moreover, Mr Putin was immune from prosecution by virtue of his office.

The evidence was also insufficient to indict other suspects.

Investigators, however, said the investigation would be temporarily suspended, saying, “we have reached our limits.”

Russia had always denied any involvement in the shooting down of flight MH17. 

(dpa/NAN)