Putin: The Il-76 was shot down by a U.S. Patriot system

The Il-76 plane, carrying Ukrainian POWs, was shot down by a U.S. Patriot surface-to-air missile system․ Russian President Vladimir Putin said this.

“The plane was shot down, this has already been confirmed, investigation has confirmed it,” he said.

According to Putin, Russia insists on an international investigation, but no international organization has displayed willingness. 

“I officially announce that we request that international experts come and carry out an investigation, examining concrete evidence that the plane was shot down by a Patriot system,” he said.

According to Putin, the West is trying to hush up the Il-76 crash. There has been no media coverage on the issue, but Russia does not forget the crimes committed against its citizens.

Speaking on the causes of the disaster, the Russian president noted that he does not know and does not understand why Kyiv shot down the plane, its prisoners being on board.

To remind, the Armed Forces of Ukraine shot down a Russian military Il-76 plane in Belgorod Oblast on Jan. 24. The plane was carrying 65 Ukrainian POWs for exchange. The POWs, six crew members and three accompanying officers of the Russian Armed Forces were killed in the crash.