The Ukrainian government has suspended a ceasefire in the area surrounding the MH17 crash site after the recovery mission was halted yesterday, Reuters reported.
The Netherlands halted the operation because of fighting in eastern Ukraine, the Dutch prime minister announced yesterday.
Mark Rutte told journalists in The Hague the risk posed to the team of 70 Australian, Dutch and Malaysian experts was too great to continue working in the area.
The remains of 23 passengers including one Briton aboard Malaysia Airlines flight 17 have been identified by the Dutch-led forensic team, according to the Netherlands' Justice Ministry.
Spokesperson Jean Fransman said those identified include 18 Dutch, two Malaysians, a Canadian, a German and a Briton. All of their families have been notified.
In all, 228 coffins have been brought to the Netherlands but it is not known how many victims that represents.
The forensic experts at a military base in Hilversum are using DNA samples and dental records in a process expected to take months.
The mother of the three Australian children killed on flight MH17 told a memorial service her "arms would always be reaching for them."
A woman has apparently posted pictures of herself on social media with mascara looted from the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 crash site.
A large section of plane wreckage and everyday carry-on items like chocolates remain scattered among the wild flowers at the crash site.