Many reports have pointed to pro-Russian insurgents mistakenly shooting down the passenger jet, but rebel leaders have denied this. 
Taarifa mbalimbali zinawahusisha waasi walio na uhusiano wa karibu na serikali ya Urusi ambao kwa bahati mbaya waliishambulia ndege ya abiria, hata hivyo, kiongozi wa waasi hao amekanusha taarifa hizi.