Borodai reiterated his claim that the Ukrainian government, not the rebel group, is responsible for the downing of MH17.

A direct appeal to the separatist leader from Malaysia’s prime minister convinced him to hand over the flight recorders.

Borodai denies again that rebels shot down #MH17. "The Ukrainians had the technical capabilities and the motives to do it."

— max seddon (@maxseddon) July 21, 2014

Borodai says Kiev isn't interested in an objective #MH17 investigation and tried to scare the foreign experts off.

— max seddon (@maxseddon) July 21, 2014

Borodai says Malaysia PM Razak called him today and convinced him to hand over #MH17 black boxes.

— max seddon (@maxseddon) July 21, 2014

Borodai says #MH17 victims train with 282 bodies and 67 sets of remains is in Donetsk awaiting transfer to Kharkov. Experts accompanying it.

— max seddon (@maxseddon) July 21, 2014

Malaysian expert and Donetsk Republic prosecutor sign memorandum on transferring the #MH17 black boxes. pic.twitter.com/sGDjPH6Vsv

— max seddon (@maxseddon) July 21, 2014

Malaysian "would like to convey our sincere appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Borodai for obeying our request." pic.twitter.com/ghD2UiWdp9

— max seddon (@maxseddon) July 21, 2014