Hrabove, Ukraine, July 18 (ANI): A Malaysian airliner was brought down over eastern Ukraine killing all 295 people aboard and sharply raising the stakes in a conflict between Kiev and pro-Moscow rebels. The plane was enroute to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam, and it is being said that it was shot down. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Friday that _Russian-backed rebels_ were apparently behind the shooting down of a Malaysia Airlines passenger jetliner. Ukraine_s state security chief has accused Russian military intelligence officers of involvement with pro-Russian rebels in the downing of the airliner on Thursday, but Western leaders have until now been less quick to assign blame. Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed sorrow for the loss and blamed the region_s military conflict in general. Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama also offered his condolences.