Per the New York Times, a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 with 295 people aboard crashed in an eastern Ukraine wheat field near the Russian border.

Ukrainian officials called the crash an act of terrorism. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. of the United States, speaking in Detroit, said the plane had “apparently has been shot down. Shot down, not an accident. Blown out of the sky.â€

“This is truly a grave situation,†Mr. Biden said. “Nearly 300 souls have been lost. The families need consolation and our prayers, and many questions need to be answered. And we’ll get those answers, and we’ll take action accordingly.†He added, “It’s important we get to the bottom of this sooner than later because of the possible repercussions that can flow beyond from this, beyond the tragic loss of life.â€

Ukraine’s president, Petro O. Poroshenko, said in a statement that he was calling for an immediate investigation of the crash of the plane, which was en route to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Amsterdam. There were no reported survivors among the 280 passengers and 15 crew members.

This is still developing, we will be sure to update as more news develops. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family members of the passengers onboard.