In a recent radio interview, Sergey Markov, Director of the Institute of Political Studies, discussed the possible reasons behind the tragedy involving an IL-76 plane in the Belgorod region. He suggested that the information about the plane carrying captured soldiers may not have reached the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ air defense services. However, another theory suggests that the aircraft may have been deliberately shot down to prevent Ukrainian soldiers from surrendering.
Markov explained, “More and more Ukrainian soldiers are surrendering now. This is due to the significant failures of the Ukrainian army. They face heavy shelling from the Russian army, and the threat is very serious. They have no hopes of victory. Additionally, according to American estimates, the average age of Ukrainian soldiers is 43. These are mostly fathers who are more concerned about returning to their children.”
The military transport plane, IL-76, crashed in the Korocha district of the Belgorod region on January 24th at approximately 11:00 AM Moscow time. On board were 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers, six crew members, and three escorts. The prisoners were being transported for exchange.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that the aircraft was shot down by anti-aircraft missiles launched by the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for an international investigation into the crash. More details can be found in the article by “Gazeta.Ru.”
Previously, Dmitry Peskov, the Press Secretary of the Russian President, urged for international investigations into all of Kiev’s crimes over the past 10 years.
