On behalf of NCSEJ, I want to express our sadness over the tragic loss of life of the passengers and crew who died in yesterday's crash of a Malaysian Airlines plane in Ukraine. The downing of the Malaysian plane will only exacerbate the already tense relationship between the United States and the EU with Russia.

Although it is not yet clear who will be held responsible for this heinous act, it is known that the plane was shot down by a missile launched from the territory controlled by Ukrainian separatists.

In a statement today, President Barack Obama described the crash as a "global tragedy," and called for an immediate cease fire and for restoration of peace and security in Ukraine.

This week's update includes a number of stories on the Malaysian plane crash and its implications for the crisis in Ukraine. I want to highlight two very strong editorials by the New York Times and the Washington Post that urge a tough international response to the incident.

On Wednesday, a day prior to the crash, the U.S. announced a new round of sanctions targeting Russia's major energy companies, banks, Russia's defense industry, and individuals aiding separatists in Eastern Ukraine. The update includes an NCSEJ report detailing the sanctions, and the Russian response.

In the short time since the crash, calls for further sanctions against Russia have grown even louder. As developments in the region unfold, it remains to be seen whether the United States and the EU will move to take a tougher stand on Russia.

Sincerely,