The News Minute | July 22, 2014 | 1:53 PM IST
Even though Russian President Vladmir Putin has been consistent in his stand that Russia had nothing to do with the Malaysia Airlines crash, Russian nationals have been leaving sorry notes, flowers and soft toys in front of the Dutch Embassy in Moscow.
The Malaysia Airlines plane was shot down in Donetsk, Ukraine last Thursday killing 298 people – 193 of whom were Dutch. The United States blamed Russia for the crash, alleging that pro-Russia separatists in Ukraine who are backed by Russia shot down the airliner.
But Putin, has been trying to put the blame on Ukraine saying that the plane was shot down during the military action against the pro-Russian rebels.
Irrespective of Putin’s stand, Russians certainly seem to be feeling guilty. According to a CNN report, at a makeshift memorial that was built outside the Dutch Embassy in Moscow condolences and “sorry” cards made by adults and children are pouring in.
Netherlands, the country from where most of the victims hailed from is certainly not happy. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte had publicly announced to the media that he had a very "very intense" talk with the Russian President on Saturday. Even amidst diplomatic stand offs, the people of Russia are making a point.
In the memorial outside the embassy, a hand-drawn picture by a child has the caption "children should not die".
Other messages go like this-
"We are afraid, we are ashamed, and we are in mourning."
"Forgive us."
"Excuse us, please, if you can. Sorry! Russia, Moscow."
The CNN report says that such tokens of apology are piling up outside the Dutch Embassy.