Russia Returns Bodies of 65 Ukrainian POWs from January Il-76 Crash

Dec 9, 2024, 12:54 PM

Russia has handed over the bodies of 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war who died in the crash of an Il-76 aircraft in January, according to Tatyana Moskalkova, Russia's Human Rights Commissioner. The plane, which was carrying the POWs, was shot down over Russia’s Belgorod region. Ukraine has not formally taken responsibility for the incident but has stated that the aircraft was a legitimate military target. The Ukrainian general staff, accused by Russia of downing the plane, has not confirmed the transfer of the bodies, and the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War has reported that examinations of the remains are ongoing.