Russia objects to formation of international commission for investigating IL-76 crash causes - Ukraine’s Intelligence

A representative of the Ukrainian Defence Intelligence, Andriy Yusov, shared the information on the United News telethon.

"Regarding the specific reasons for the crash of this plane, it is logical and reasonable to demand the creation of an open international commission," Yusov said.

He also emphasized that in order to find out exactly what caused the crash, it is necessary to carefully examine the crash site and the remains of the aircraft.

"Well, now, as we hear, Russia rejects the possibility of such a commission," Yusov added.

Major PoW exchange scheduled for January 24th

When inquired about the number of Ukrainian prisoners of war scheduled for release on February 24, Yusov declined to provide an exact figure.

"But it should have been one of the largest exchanges in the history of a full-scale war. In fact, it was supposed to be a 50th 'anniversary' exchange, but unfortunately it did not take place," Yusov said.

What is known about the downing of the IL-76 in Russia

On Wednesday, January 24, a Russian military transport plane IL-76 crashed in the Korocha district of Belgorod region.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that the plane was allegedly carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war who were being transported to the Belgorod region for exchange.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia has requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council because of the downing of the plane, which Moscow accused Ukraine of shooting down. France rejected the request. 

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces emphasized that the Defense Forces control the airspace and monitor missile launch sites and logistics, especially with the use of military transport aircraft, and will continue to take measures to destroy delivery vehicles.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry confirmed that a prisoner exchange was to take place on January 24. The Intelligence noted that it does not currently have reliable and comprehensive information about who was on board the plane and in what quantity. 

White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said that the United States could not confirm the presence of Ukrainian prisoners in the Russian IL-76. 

On January 25, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would insist on an international investigation into the downing of the IL-76 military transport plane in Russia.

Aviation expert Kostiantyn Kryvolap believes that the Russians tried to shoot down Ukrainian drones and shot down their Il-76 in a panic.