MOSCOW. Dec 24 (Interfax) - Russian investigators have obtained proof of a Ukrainian Su-25 attack plane's role in downing a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 in southeastern Ukraine on July 17, Russian Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin told Interfax.
"Investigators decided not to delay the questioning and met last evening with the Ukrainian serviceman who confirmed that he had voluntarily left his military unit and crossed into Russian territory," Markin said.
"According to the account provided by this man, who is now being treated as a witness and to whom a pseudonym has been assigned to ensure his security, the Boeing 777, Flight MH17, may have been shot down on July 17 this year by a Ukrainian Air Force Su-25 warplane piloted by Capt. Voloshyn of the Ukrainian Air Force," he said.
"The facts and the account that the witness possessed and set out clearly and without confusion have convinced the investigators that his testimony is truthful, which, by the way, has been confirmed by a polygraph test," he said.
"As the witness may be in danger, the investigation is considering granting state protection to him under the witness protection program," Markin said.