Zelenskyy calls for international investigation into Il-76 crash, Kremlin reacts

Zelenskyy said this in his evening video address.

“Summoned Umerov, Zaluzhnyi, Shaptala, Budanov, and Maliuk - reported on the situation with the plane and the exchange. It is evident that the Russians are toying with the lives of Ukrainian prisoners, the feelings of their families, and the emotions of our society," said Zelenskyy.

According to him, it is necessary to find out all the clear facts. "To the extent possible, considering that the plane crash occurred on Russian territory - beyond our control. Facts are the key word now. I've heard reports from the head of the General Staff and the Chief of Air Force regarding the actions of the Air Force. The Main Intelligence Directorate is clarifying the fate of all prisoners. The Security Service of Ukraine is investigating all circumstances. And I have instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to inform our partners about the available data in Ukraine. Our state will insist on an international investigation," stated Zelenskyy.

What they say in the Kremlin

Spokesperson for the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin is not against an international investigation, but only if the incident with the plane is investigated as a crime by Kyiv. "If he (Zelenskyy- red.) means an international investigation into the criminal actions of the Kyiv regime - it is definitely needed," quotes Interfax Peskov.

Putin's spokesperson insists that the Ukrainian Armed Forces shot down the plane carrying Ukrainian prisoners prepared for exchange.

What is known about IL-76 crash in Russia

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

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

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia had 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.

Ukrainian General Staff emphasized that Ukrainian Defense Forces control the airspace and track missile launch points and logistics of their supply, 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 DIU noted that they currently do not 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 cannot confirm the presence of Ukrainian prisoners in the Russian IL-76.