Prayers across Netherlands for Ukraine crash dead

Worshippers at church services across the Netherlands are praying for the victims of the Ukraine air disaster and their next of kin, as anger builds over the separatist rebels' hindering of the investigation into the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.

The chairman of the Dutch Bishops Conference, Cardinal Wim Eijk, has called on church-goers to "pray for strength and courage for the relatives" at services today.

Amid the grieving, Prime Minister Mark Rutte is pushing for Russian President Vladimir Putin to use his influence over the rebels in eastern Ukraine to ensure a full investigation into the tragedy that killed 298 passengers and crew, including 193 Dutch citizens.