Kyiv accuses Russia of intentionally endangering lives in the plane crash.

Ukraine's military intelligence has accused Russia of intentionally endangering the lives of prisoners of war (PoWs) after a military transport plane carrying 65 PoWs crashed in Russia's Belgorod region near the Ukrainian border. According to Russia's Ministry of Defence, the prisoners were being transported to Belgorod for a prisoner exchange. However, Kyiv claims it was not informed to ensure safe airspace, and the Ukrainian military intelligence statement is seen as admitting that they shot the plane down. There were reportedly nine other people on board, including six crew members. The plane crashed near the village of Yablonovo, resulting in a fireball and explosion. The regional governor confirmed that everyone on board had died. Initially, Ukraine's general staff stated that the plane was carrying missiles for Russia's air defence systems but made no mention of the prisoners of war. Ukraine's military intelligence argues that Russia is responsible for ensuring the safety of the PoWs according to previous agreements. It accused Russia of deliberately putting the lives and safety of the prisoners at risk. Russia is exploiting the incident to portray Ukraine as the aggressor, even though Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ahead of the planned prisoner exchange, Ukrainian officials stated that the captured Russian servicemen were safe at the agreed location. Russia's defence ministry claimed that Ukraine's air force fired two anti-aircraft missiles at the plane. The Ukrainian government body responsible for prisoners of war warned of Russia's information operations aiming to destabilize Ukrainian society. Ukrainian officials urged the public to trust official sources and not be deceived by provocations. Russia's parliamentary defence committee claimed that there was a second plane carrying 80 Ukrainian prisoners that changed course. They stated that there will be no further prisoner exchanges. The largest prisoner exchange occurred earlier this month, with Ukraine freeing 248 Russian prisoners and Russia releasing 230 people. More than 8,000 Ukrainians, both civilian and military, are still held by Russia, with tens of thousands still missing. Belgorod, located near the border with Ukraine, has experienced casualties and airstrikes since the war in Ukraine began. Russia continues to capture territories in Ukraine, while intensifying air attacks in recent weeks. Ukrainian forces are facing ammunition shortages, while Russia has used over 600 missiles and 1,000 drones in the past two months.