Ukrainian military abstains from confirming strike on Russian Il-76 transport plane
Ukraine’s Armed Forces cannot currently confirm that they downed a Russian Il-76 military transport aircraft on the morning of Jan. 24, Armed Forces spokesperson Bohdan Senyk told NV.
Ukrainian media outlets speculated that the Il-76 was carrying missiles for Russia’s S-300 missile systems when it went down near the Russian city of Belgorod.
NV asked the Armed Forces to confirm reporting from other Ukrainian media that Ukraine was involved in the downing.
"We do not currently have any information on this," Senyk replied.
Information about the incident with the Russian IL-76 is still being clarified, he added.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claims that there were 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war on board that were due to be exchanged. NV asked the Armed Forces for comment.
"We don't have any information on various types of reports, including fake news," Senyk said.
"At the moment, everything is being checked and clarified."
NV also asked representatives from the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) to comment, but did not receive a reply by time of publication.
A Russian Il-76 military transport aircraft allegedly crashed in the Korochan district near Belgorod.
The plane can be seen catching fire while sill in the air, while a fiery mushroom cloud can be seen after it crashes, according to footage of the alleged crash that has appeared on social media.
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