Ukraine crash is an early test for Hammond

BARELY having had time to move into his new office Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond is already facing a serious test of his ability in the role.

Yesterday's devastating crash of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 has led to recriminations from both sides of the Ukraine crisis amid fears that an already tense situation could lead to all out civil war.

Among the 298 dead passengers and flight crew lie the bodies of nine Britons. Their deaths may mean that Mr Hammond is pushed into taking a more direct response to the conflict which has engulfed Ukraine.

Speaking ahead of the European Council meeting earlier this week Prime Minister David Cameron told leaders that there needed to be a tougher stance on Ukraine. 

"There are important discussions here today, perhaps the most important is that the situation in Ukraine is unacceptable. The territorial integrity of that country is not being properly respected by Russia," he said.

"We can send a very clear message with clear actions at this council."

Following the latest dramatic events Mr Hammond will be under scrutiny to see how he can follow through on his leader's directive.

In evaluating the British stance Mr Hammond is up against conflicting statements and unconfirmed rumours regarding the cause of the crash. With a full investigation yet to be carried out mechanical failure, or pilot error cannot be totally ruled out. 

Blaming pro-Russian separatists Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said it was an "act of terrorism".

Meanwhile separatist leader Alexander Borodai blamed Ukrainian government forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been accused of helping to supply hi tech  weapons to the rebels, laid responsibility for the crash with the Ukrainian government, saying: This tragedy would not have happened if there were peace on this land, if the military actions had not been renewed in southeast Ukraine.

"And, certainly, the state over whose territory this occurred bears responsibility for this awful tragedy."

No matter who finally faces responsibility for the crash Mr Hammond must be ready to deal with the escalating crisis in the region. His decision may be further complicated by the aggressive stance taken by the United States, which has already called on European nations to take a harder line in relation to the conflict.

Commenting on the tragedy U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said:

"We are horrified by the crash of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. There are no words adequate to express our condolences to the families of the nearly 300 victims. We offer our sympathies and support to the Governments of Malaysia and the Netherlands at this difficult time, as well as to all those whose citizens may have been on board. We are reviewing whether any American citizens were aboard the flight.

"The United States Government remains prepared to assist with a credible, international investigation any way we can, and we will continue to be in touch with all relevant partners as we seek the facts of what happened today."

The British government has already called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the crash. For Mr Hammond, however, it is the rapidly evolving situation which will determine how the world sees him in his new role, rather than any agreement reached by the UN.