Following a fatal plane crash in western Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of endangering the lives of Ukrainian prisoners.
He has called for an international investigation into the incident, which occurred near Ukraine’s border in the Belgorod region. Russia claims that the plane, carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, six Russian crew members, and three escorts, was shot down by Kyiv and that there were no survivors.
However, Ukraine‘s military intelligence stated that it had not been informed about ensuring safe airspace, as had been done in previous exchanges.
President Zelensky emphasized the need to establish all the facts surrounding the crash and expressed concern for the well-being of the prisoners and their families.
The incident has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the downed plane, and video footage shared on social media showed the aircraft crashing followed by an explosion and fireball.
The exact details of those on board have yet to be independently verified, but Ukraine’s military intelligence has stated that it is Russia’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their personnel as per previous agreements.
The statement mentioned that it was not informed about the need to protect the airspace at the specified time, which has occurred multiple times in the past.
It further stated that this could indicate deliberate actions by Russia to endanger the lives and safety of the prisoners of war. Both Ukraine and Russia have engaged in several exchanges of prisoners since the war began.
According to BBC Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg, it is evident that Russia is using the plane attack as a means to depict Ukraine as the aggressor, despite Russia being the one who initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
BBC
