A team investigating the attack of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 reported on Thursday that rebels who targeted the plane had been in almost daily contact with Russian officials leading up to the attack. The multinational team is putting together a criminal case on the disaster that caused the death of all 298 passengers and crew. The team reported that communication with Moscow occurred over secure telephones provided by Russia, near the border of Ukraine, and in Crimea.
Last year, the team reported that they believed the Buk missile system that was used to attack flight MH17 had come from the Russian army. The suspects, including three Russians, are due to go to trial in Amersterdam.