On Thursday, a Malaysia Airlines passenger plane was allegedly shot down over Ukrainian airspace. There were a total of 295 people on Flight MH17 and it is not believed that anyone survived the devastating tragedy.

The story is developing and it’s not exactly clear why the plane was brought down, but early reports indicate that Ukrainian separatists may be responsible.

Both Ukrainian government and Russian government officials are presently denying any involvement in the hostile act.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his “sincere condolences” to the Malaysian PM and Russia’s Ministry of Emergencie has launched an official inquest with Ukrainian authorities in an effort to offer assistance at the site of the crash.

Latest photos from crash scene of Malaysia Airlines #MH17 crash site in Ukraine http://t.co/Qt9TPwIyZo pic.twitter.com/twzJN6hZzB

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 17, 2014

President Obama, who was meant to make an address in Wilmington, DE on infrastructure, touched on the ongoing situation.

The president stated that the first priority was to determine if there were American citizens on board the jetliner.

As of right now, it is believed that 23 U.S. citizens were on the downed Boeing 777.

This is heartbreaking. #MH17 pic.twitter.com/8WGA9jYeiw

— Faliq Fahmie (@faliqfahmie) July 17, 2014

It is not known how the United States government will proceed following this revelation. The nationalities of the victims varies greatly and this violent act will no doubt greatly complicate international relationships for the unstable Ukraine.

"The world is watching reports of a downed passenger jet near the Russia-Ukraine border." —President Obama

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 17, 2014

What is especially worrying is that this news comes on the heels of unconfirmed reports indicating that a Russian military jet shot down a Ukrainian fighter jet.

It’s also quite apparent that the implications of this event are far-reaching.

Malaysia Airlines is reeling from yet another massive tragedy involving their airline. Flight MH370, which disappeared in March, is still missing.

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370: Autopilot Set For Australia? – http://t.co/veqWM4lySw pic.twitter.com/XcWHUSuNhX

— Gossips RTNews (@GossipsRTNews) June 28, 2014

At the same time, it is clear that the conflict in the Ukraine is far more dangerous to the international community than perhaps many had previously realized.

The UN is reportedly scheduling an emergency meeting in order to determine how to proceed following the incident.

UPDATE: It’s possible that the intended target could have been President Vladimir Putin himself. The Malaysian Airline flight was allegedly following a similar flight plan to the Russian president’s plane.

Image via YouTube