In a revelation on Wednesday, the Defense Ministry of Russia pointed an accusatory finger at Ukrainian forces, alleging their role in the downing of a military transport aircraft. The tragic incident claimed the lives of all 74 occupants, among them 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, earmarked for an exchange, as reported by the Associated Press (AP).
According to the provided information, Ukrainian authorities are yet to affirm or refute Russia’s assertions concerning the crash in the Belgorod border region of Russia, asserting that a thorough investigation is underway.
The veracity of details about the passengers and the circumstances surrounding the plane crash remains unverified by the Associated Press, given the conflicting claims between Russia and Ukraine over the 700-day war. This persistent discord makes the establishment of facts challenging within the confines of a war zone.
Footage circulating on social media portrayed the aircraft’s descent into a snowy rural expanse, marked by a sizable fireball upon impact, as mentioned in the report.
In addition to the 65 prisoners of war, the Il-76 transport conveyed a crew of six and three other individuals, according to the Russian military. The ministry alleged the firing of two missiles from Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, bordering Belgorod, though evidence to substantiate these claims was not provided.
Emergency services, encompassing firefighters and police, hastily mobilized to the crash site in the Korochansky district of Belgorod, as reported by AP citing state news agency Tass.
The Russian military contended that the prisoners of war were en route for a planned exchange when the plane met its demise at 11:15 AM local time, the report detailed.
Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andrii Yusov acknowledged a scheduled prisoner swap on Wednesday but clarified that it did not transpire. The agency is in the process of confirming the presence of Ukrainian prisoners of war on the ill-fated plane. The designated swap location, Kolotilovka, lies approximately 135 kilometers west of Yablonovo, in proximity to the crash site.
This tragic incident unfolded amidst escalating tensions and cross-border skirmishes between Russia’s Belgorod region and Ukraine’s Kharkiv region.
Both nations have witnessed aerial mishaps during the prolonged conflict, with observers attributing them to the heightened frequency of flights.
The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War in Ukraine cautioned against disseminating unverified information, underscoring the enemy’s engagement in information special operations to destabilize Ukrainian society.
A specialized military commission from Russia’s Defense Ministry is en route to the crash site. President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, refrained from offering comments, citing a dearth of information, as per the report.
After 700 days of the Kremlin’s forces entering Ukraine, the 1,500-kilometer front line remains predominantly inert due to icy weather conditions. The focus of the war has shifted towards long-range strikes as both parties seek to replenish their arsenals.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a substantial missile assault by Russia, resulting in 18 fatalities and 130 injuries. The attack involved over 40 ballistic, cruise, anti-aircraft, and guided missiles targeting residential structures in three Ukrainian cities.
Zelenskyy appealed to Western allies for increased military assistance, emphasizing the imperative to fortify air defense for the protection of cities and frontline positions. Analysts, cited by AP, posit that Russia may have amassed missiles for a winter aerial campaign, while Ukraine explores innovative drone tactics.
The Institute for the Study of War in Washington suggested that Russia might have employed decoy missiles in the recent attack to exploit vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s air defenses, according to the report. There are purported efforts by Russia to procure additional ballistic missiles from foreign nations, including Iran and North Korea.
On Wednesday, a Ukrainian drone was reportedly downed over the Belgorod border region, with no reported casualties or damage.
Despite resource constraints, Ukraine’s allies, including the United States, have pledged ongoing military support. Germany announced intentions to dispatch six SEA KING Mk41 multi-role helicopters to Ukraine, contributing to a cumulative military aid package of approximately 6 billion euros since the conflict’s onset.