Russia Claims Patriot System Shot Down Il-76 with Ukrainian POWs

The Russian Investigative Committee has released a detailed video showing the reconstructed wreckage of an Il-76 airplane, which was allegedly shot down by a Patriot surface-to-air missile system in January 2024. The plane was reportedly carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs).

According to the Committee's analysis, the first missile struck the aircraft at an altitude of about four kilometers. A second missile aimed at the plane failed to reach its target and self-destructed. The flight recorder data indicated that all aircraft systems were functioning normally at the time of the attack.

The crash occurred in the Belgorod region on January 24, resulting in the deaths of all 65 Ukrainian POWs, six crew members, and three escorts on board. The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed these details.

The video released by the Investigative Committee shows the collected wreckage, providing visual evidence of the plane's destruction. This footage aims to support Russia's claim that the Il-76 was targeted and brought down by a Patriot missile system.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff has not directly taken responsibility for the incident but stated that the Il-76 was a legitimate military target. According to their statement, the plane was carrying S-300 surface-to-air missiles intended for use in the Kharkiv region.

This development has intensified the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides presenting contrasting narratives about the downed aircraft. The release of the video by the Russian Investigative Committee is likely to further fuel the debate and scrutiny surrounding this tragic incident.