A tragic incident unfolds as a Russian military transport plane crashes near the Ukrainian border, resulting in the loss of all 74 lives on board, according to Russian authorities. Moscow swiftly accuses Ukraine of deliberately shooting down the aircraft, alleging it was en route to exchange 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers. Andrei Kartapolov, a retired general and lawmaker, deems the act intentional to sabotage the prisoner exchange.
The plane, identified as an Ilyushin Il-76, was reportedly hit by three missiles, possibly of US or German origin, claims Kartapolov. If confirmed, this marks the deadliest episode in the nearly two-year-old conflict within Russia’s borders. Ukrainian officials are yet to provide a detailed response, emphasizing the need for time to clarify the incident.
Video footage, verified by Reuters, captures the aircraft plummeting and exploding in a fireball near the village of Yablonovo. Although details about the passengers remain unverified, regular prisoner exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv have been a recurring practice. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirms no survivors and locates the crash site in the Korochansky district.
The Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine, has faced previous attacks, heightening tensions between the neighboring nations. Russian officials, including Vyacheslav Volodin, condemn the incident, alleging Ukraine shot down its own soldiers on a humanitarian mission. Volodin vows to appeal to the US Congress and the German Bundestag, urging a reassessment of their support for Ukraine.
The Ilyushin Il-76, designed for military transport, typically accommodates a crew of five and up to 90 passengers. The Kremlin states it is investigating the situation, highlighting the complexity and gravity of the unfolding events.
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