Self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Donetsk People's Republic, Alexander Borodai, kept his word and handed over the MH17 black boxes to members of the Malaysia government early Tuesday morning in East Ukraine.
During the presentation of the black boxes — which had been delayed for nearly three hours — Borodai reiterated his claim that the Ukrainian government, not the rebel group, is responsible for the downing of MH17.
Borodai denies again that rebels shot down #MH17. "The Ukrainians had the technical capabilities and the motives to do it."
Borodai says Kiev isn't interested in an objective #MH17 investigation and tried to scare the foreign experts off.
It was a direct appeal to the separatist leader from Malaysia's prime minister that convinced him to hand over the flight recorders.
Borodai says Malaysia PM Razak called him today and convinced him to hand over #MH17 black boxes.
The separatists also appear to be transferring the remains of the MH17 victims as agreed upon in the deal brokered by the Malaysian PM.
Borodai says #MH17 victims train with 282 bodies and 67 sets of remains is in Donetsk awaiting transfer to Kharkov. Experts accompanying it.
Borodai clearly believed this exchange to be an official, diplomatic recognition of this breakaway region of Ukraine, saying at the press conference, "Today was a quite important day in the history of the Donetsk People's Republic."
Malaysian expert and Donetsk Republic prosecutor sign memorandum on transferring the #MH17 black boxes.
Malaysian "would like to convey our sincere appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Borodai for obeying our request."
Black boxes #MH17 kini bersama delegasi Malaysia. Hope there will be clues to lead us for the truth of this tragedy.