An anchor on the Russian-funded network RT America took to the airwaves on Friday to say that if a Russian-backed rebel militia brought down the Malaysian airliner in Ukraine, it shows why governments should not be providing weapons to insurgent forces.
“If an international independent investigation does indeed find that the missile was shot by rebel fighters, then the criminals responsible need to be held accountable,” said Abby Martin, host of “Breaking the Set.”
Russia has denied having anything to do with the attack.
“Russia has been logistically backing the rebels in this territory,” she noted, adding “if an investigation finds that this missile was indeed Russian, then it exemplifies exactly why state power should not be providing high-grade weaponry to militias.”
This was not the first time Martin had taken a critical line against the Russian government. In March she denounced Russia’s invasion of Crimea, stating that she would prefer to risk her job and “go down on the right side of history” than remain silent.
Martin’s comments come on the heels of international speculation over those responsible for a reported surface-to-air missile that shot down Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
While there have been no formal accusations from the U.S. or Malaysia that the Russian-backed separatists are responsible for shooting down the plane, President Obama has called for a ceasefire and urged an immediate international investigation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, after openly blaming the Ukrainian government for the circumstances of the attack, has echoed the calls for a ceasefire.
Watch the video of the segment of below:
