Russia’s Investigative Committee has released footage of the wreckage from an Il-76 military transport plane that crashed in the Belgorod region on January 24, 2024.
The committee alleges the plane, which was carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war, was shot down by a Ukrainian Patriot missile system.
The investigators claim the location of the explosion supports their theory. They assert the missile warhead detonated in the upper front section of the aircraft, on the left side in the direction of flight. They have also reportedly found debris from the alleged missile at the crash site.
However, Ukraine has vehemently denied any responsibility for the incident. No independent investigation has been conducted to verify either side’s claims. The crash site near the war-torn Ukrainian border remains restricted by Russian authorities, making a full and impartial probe challenging.
The presence of Ukrainian prisoners of war on board raises questions about adherence to international law regarding the treatment of detainees during wartime.
Further investigation is needed to determine the cause of the crash. Until then, the conflicting narratives from Russia and Ukraine leave a shroud of uncertainty over this tragic event.