Ukrainian President accuses Moscow of playing with lives after deadly plane crash
In a tragic turn of events, a deadly plane crash in western Russia has led to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accusing Moscow of “playing with the lives of Ukrainian prisoners.” The crash, which occurred in the Belgorod region near Ukraine’s border, claimed the lives of 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war, six Russian crew members, and three escorts. While Russia claims that the Ukrainians were being flown for a prisoner exchange, President Zelensky has demanded an international inquiry into the incident.
The Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) has made a significant statement by acknowledging that they were not informed to ensure safe airspace, as they had been on previous occasions. This statement has led to speculation that Ukraine may have shot down the military transport plane, although GUR stressed that they had no reliable information about who was on board. They also warned that the incident may have involved “planned and deliberate actions by Russia.”
President Zelensky expressed his outrage in a video address, stating that it is “obvious that the Russians are playing with the lives of Ukrainian prisoners, with the feelings of their relatives, and with the emotions of our society.” He emphasized the need to establish all clear facts surrounding the crash. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the downing of the plane as a “monstrous act” and supported an international inquiry into the “criminal actions of the Kyiv regime.”
Video footage shared on social media captured the moment of the plane crash, showing an explosion and a fireball near the village of Yablonovo. The Belgorod regional governor confirmed that everyone on board had tragically died. Initially, Ukraine’s general staff stated that the plane was transporting missiles for Russia’s S-300 air defense systems but made no mention of prisoners of war. The details surrounding those on board cannot be independently verified, but Ukraine’s military intelligence has emphasized that it was Russia’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their defenders.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has seen several prisoner swaps, with the most recent one taking place earlier this month. However, more than 8,000 Ukrainians, both civilian and military, are still being held by Russia, according to Ukraine’s Coordination HQ on the Treatment of PoWs. Tens of thousands of others are still missing.
Belgorod, the location of the plane crash, has suffered numerous casualties from air strikes and drones since the war in Ukraine began. The city, located approximately 25 miles north of the border with Ukraine, has been a target for Russian attacks. In December, an air strike resulted in 25 deaths and 100 injuries, with Ukraine blaming Russian air defenses for fragments falling on the city.
As the war in Ukraine approaches its third year, Russia’s aggression shows no signs of abating. Last week, they claimed to have captured a village near the devastated city of Bakhmut, although Kyiv has not confirmed this. Russian air attacks have also intensified in recent weeks, resulting in casualties and injuries for Ukrainian civilians.
The deadly plane crash near Ukraine’s border has further escalated tensions between Ukraine and Russia. President Zelensky’s demand for an international inquiry reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need to establish the truth behind this tragic incident. As both countries continue to grapple with the ongoing conflict, the fate of Ukrainian prisoners of war remains uncertain, and the hope for a peaceful resolution seems distant.