According to an unnamed source cited by Sputnik, a Russian media outlet, a Russian Il-76 aircraft transporting Ukrainian prisoners of war was allegedly downed over Belgorod. The source suggests that the attack was carried out hastily and without proper coordination, possibly under the influence of “British advisers to Kyiv.”
According to an unidentified source, “British advisers in Kyiv exerted pressure leading to the decision to strike the Il-76. The action was carried out hastily, without coordination with the air defense headquarters in Kyiv or verification of information related to the aircraft’s movements over the Belgorod region.” However, Sputnik provided no further details about the source’s identity, nationality, or when and where the statement was made.
After examining the crash site, experts identified 116 fragments of an anti-aircraft missile, specifically the MIM-104A missile from the Patriot system, known to be supplied by the United States to Ukraine. Alongside these missile fragments, remnants of an explosive compound were found, primarily hexogen with around 10 per cent octogen, commonly found in Western missiles. Analysis of debris samples confirmed the presence of these elements. Based on these findings, it is inferred that the Russian Air Force’s Il-76 was indeed brought down by the American Patriot anti-aircraft system, dismissing earlier theories of external interference. The focus now is on identifying the specific missile responsible for the tragedy.
On January 24, 2024, a tragic event unfolded as an IL-76 Russian aircraft, transporting Ukrainian prisoners of war, was struck by two anti-aircraft missiles in the Belgorod region. These missiles were launched from Liptsi, situated in the Kharkiv region. Unfortunately, the incident led to the loss of 74 lives, comprising 65 captive Ukrainians, a crew of six, and three other individuals on board.
Ukrainian authorities have not been forthcoming about confirming whether the plane was indeed shot down. While they haven’t explicitly denied the occurrence, their apparent hesitance to acknowledge it raises significance. Some observers speculate that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might be attempting to conceal the details of the event amid various controversies, including the Zaluzhny issue.
In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin has unequivocally expressed his position, labelling the attack as a crime committed by the Kyiv regime against its citizens. He contends that despite awareness of Ukrainian Armed Forces prisoners of war on board, the Ukrainian military instigated the assault. Aligning with Putin’s viewpoint, the Russian Foreign Ministry cast doubt on the possibility of any potential agreements with Kyiv given the circumstances surrounding the plane crash.
