Russia Alleges Ukrainian Involvement in Downed Military Plane, Claiming 74 Lives, Including 65 POWs”
On Wednesday, Russia pointed fingers at Kyiv, accusing them of orchestrating a terrorist act that led to the crash of a military transport plane, resulting in the tragic loss of all 74 individuals on board, including 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war. The flight was en route to the southern region of Belgorod for an upcoming prisoner exchange when it was allegedly brought down.
The Kremlin labeled the incident as a “terrorist act,” emphasizing that the Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft was on a scheduled flight to an airfield near the border when it was shot down by an anti-aircraft missile system. The Russian Defense Ministry reported the presence of six crew members, 65 Ukrainian military personnel, and three Russian military personnel on board, all of whom perished in the crash.
While NBC News couldn’t independently verify the details or occupants of the flight, Ukrainian officials refrained from immediately denying the claims, urging caution against sharing unverified information. Tensions between the two nations, embroiled in a war nearing its two-year mark, have fueled conflicting accusations.
The Russian Defense Ministry asserted that Ukrainian missiles were detected launching the attack, highlighting that the Ukrainian government was well aware of the scheduled military transport flight preceding the planned prisoner swap. Ukraine, in response, emphasized its commitment to protecting its airspace and citizens, citing recent aerial attacks by Russia and pledging measures to counter the missile threat.
Although Ukraine’s military did not directly address the crash in its statement, it acknowledged the planned exchange of prisoners that didn’t take place. The military intelligence service mentioned a lack of reliable information on the plane’s occupants but affirmed the timely delivery of captured Russian servicemen to the designated exchange point.
As both countries regularly engage in prisoner exchanges amid ongoing hostilities, the incident adds a layer of complexity to their already strained relations. Influential Ukrainian social media accounts disputed the Russian claims, questioning the likelihood of only three Russian guards on board for 65 Ukrainian prisoners. Amid the geopolitical tensions, the situation underscores the challenges of discerning truth in the midst of conflict.
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