Abbott calls on Australia to expel the Russian ambassador if Moscow refuses to apologise for its involvement in the downing of flight M-H-17.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has called on Australia to expel the Russian ambassador if Moscow refuses to apologise for its involvement in the downing of flight M-H-17.

Mr Abbott  said a country could not be complicit in the deaths of 38 Australians and not face any consequences.

The Turnbull government has demanded immediate talks with Russia after accusing the Kremlin of direct involvement in the missile strike on the aircraft.

A joint investigation last week found a Russian missile was used to shoot down the Malaysia Airlines passenger jet over eastern Ukraine in July 2014.