Russia is under mounting international pressure after a Malaysian passenger jet was shot down over rebel-held eastern Ukraine, with the loss of nearly 300 lives.

At least 28 Australians were on board the Boeing 777 when it was apparently hit by a surface-to-air missile near Ukraine's border with Russia.

Pro-Russian separatists are being blamed for the attack, which left bodies and smouldering wreckage scattered across fields.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has turned up the heat on Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying he needs to explain the "wanton killing" of innocent people.

More details are emerging of the Australian victims, and one family which lost relatives on missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 is in mourning again.

Look back at how developments unfolded in our live blog.