Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Moscow for jeopardizing the lives of Ukrainian prisoners following a fatal plane crash near the Ukraine-Russia border.
The incident occurred in the Belgorod region, leading Zelensky to call for an international inquiry.
Russia claimed that the Il-76 plane, carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, six Russian crew members, and three escorts, was downed by Kyiv for a planned prisoner exchange.
However, Ukraine’s military intelligence, without confirmation of the incident, asserted they had not been informed to secure the airspace, a departure from previous procedures.
In a video address, President Zelensky accused Russia of toying with the lives of Ukrainian prisoners, their families’ emotions, and societal sentiments.
He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to establish clear facts.
The crash, witnessed on social media, showed a plane descending, followed by an explosion and fireball near Yablonovo village.
All on board were reported dead. While initial reports from Ukraine’s general staff suggested the plane transported missiles, the details remain unverified.
Ukraine’s military intelligence contended that Russia, by failing to communicate airspace safeguards, deliberately jeopardized the lives of prisoners.
The downing of the plane, Zelensky noted, was an attempt by Russia to portray Ukraine as the aggressor, despite Russia’s prior invasion.
Amidst the unfolding events, Ukraine accused Russia of conducting special information operations to destabilize Ukrainian society.
Officials urged citizens to rely on official sources and cautioned against falling for provocations.
In the broader context of the conflict, prisoner exchanges have been ongoing, with the most recent involving the release of 248 Russian prisoners of war and 230 individuals by Russia.
Thousands of Ukrainians remain in Russian custody, prompting concerns from human rights officials.
The war in Ukraine persists into its third year, with conflicting claims and intensifying air attacks.
Russian forces allegedly captured a village near Bakhmut, while Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov highlighted the shortage of ammunition for Ukrainian forces against Russia’s use of over 600 missiles and 1,000 drones in recent months.
As the situation evolves, Zelensky’s call for an international inquiry underscores the need to untangle the tragic events surrounding the downed plane.
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