Military plane from Russia crashes with 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war onboard

A Russian Ilyushin-76 military transport plane crashed in the southern Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, resulting in the tragic death of at least 65 people on board, according to Reuters, quoting Russia’s defence ministry. Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, has faced frequent attacks in recent months, including a December missile strike that claimed the lives of 25 people.

The plane crash occurred in the midst of heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with territorial defence unit volunteers patrolling the central square of Belgorod. The Belgorod regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, confirmed awareness of the incident but provided no further details. An investigation team and emergency services are actively working on-site, with the governor altering his schedule to address the situation.

According to the Russian defence ministry, the ill-fated aircraft was transporting 65 captured Ukrainian army servicemen for exchange, along with six crew members and three escorts. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and a special military commission has been dispatched to the crash site.

Videos of the incident circulated widely on social media, depicting the plane descending near the village of Yablonovo, followed by a devastating explosion. The crash raises concerns about the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and its impact on the region.

The Ilyushin-76 is a military transport aircraft designed for troop airlift, cargo transportation, and carrying military equipment and weapons. With a normal crew of five, it has the capacity to accommodate up to 90 passengers.

The Kremlin acknowledged the incident and stated that it is closely examining the situation. The crash adds a somber note to the complex geopolitical landscape in the region, as tensions continue to escalate. The investigation will provide essential insights into the circumstances surrounding the crash and its broader implications.