In a recent development, Russia has accused Ukraine of purposefully downing a Russian military cargo plane transporting 65 detained Ukrainian soldiers on their way to a prisoner swap, killing 74 people.
The Russian defence ministry asserts that the Ukrainian leadership was aware of the planned prisoner exchange near the Russian city of Belgorod.
“According to an earlier agreement, this event was to take place in the afternoon at the Kolotilovka checkpoint on the Russian-Ukrainian border,” stated the ministry.
Russia condemns the tragedy as a brutal act of terrorism, claiming that Ukraine has ignored the lives of its citizens. Additionally, video footage of the Ilyushin Il-76’s destruction near Yablonovo has surfaced, heightening international tensions between both countries.
Initial reports by Ukrainian media had claimed that the jet was carrying S-300 missiles. However, these claims were eventually retracted, as they were reported to be unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian lawmaker Andrei Kartapolov emphasized the improbability of mistaking transport planes for military aircraft or helicopters, hence rejecting any claims of Ukraine shooting the plane.
