Pilot who, according to Russia, shot MH17 dead

kiev - The pilot who was accused by Russia of shooting down MH17 was found dead with a gunshot wound in his body, international media reports.

Vladislav Voloshin (29) was a pilot of a Soe-25 plane in the Ukrainian air force when the MH17 was shot. A colleague of his, Evgeni Agapov, initially stated anonymously that Voloshin accidentally shot the plane from the air, because the aircraft would be confused with another plane.

Later, Russia announced the identity of Agapov. Voloshin stated in a BBC documentary that the accusations are unfounded. He says he has become a victim of a big Russian smear campaign. 'I did not shoot the MH17. A former military friend of mine, a mechanical engineer, has issued false statements. We did not even fly that day. He tells us that we performed three flights, but that was six days later. '

Voloshin, now director of the Mykolayiv International Airport, was found at home. According to international media, the scenario of suicide seems plausible. His wife and colleagues stated in a reaction in Ukrainian media that he felt 'depressed' lately.

The Dutch Safety Board concluded earlier that the MH17 aircraft was shot down with a Russian BUK rocket that had just driven from Russia to Ukraine. Justice also starts from this.