I think I’m with you. Had Russia told the truth... apologized made it right financially, but said clearly, it was reckless to fly thru this war zone, the world would understand...
These people were surprised when they learned they had shot down a civilian plane.
Why lie?
In my opinion, coming clean about the whole matter (that I agree Russia should have done to minimize the fallout) would’ve required the Russians to admit that they were arming the separatists. They just couldn’t bring themselves to do it, it’s not in their DNA.