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Military operation in Ukraine

Russia insists on international probe into Il-76 plane crash — Putin

The head of state said that there were no international organizations willing to hold an investigation

MOSCOW, January 31. /TASS/. Moscow insists on an international investigation into the crash of the downed Il-76 plane carrying Ukrainian prisoners, Russian presidential candidate and incumbent President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with his campaign agents.

"The Ukrainian authorities revealed that they would like to hold an international investigation. We ask for this and insist that there be an international investigation. There are no international organizations willing. Taking the opportunity, [I want to state] - we officially ask to send international experts and analyze this, assess the available evidence that the plane was shot down by a Patriot system from a specific site and at a specific time," Putin said.

"I have already said - there was a launch at 11:10 a.m. from territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities. So, we ask international experts to come," he pointed out.

On January 24, the Ukrainian military shot down a Russian Il-76 military transport plane over the Belgorod Region. The aircraft was carrying captive Ukrainian soldiers who were supposed to be exchanged in a prisoner swap at the Ukraine-Russia border. The crash killed all 74 people on board, including 65 Ukrainian POWs. The Russian Defense Ministry described the incident as a terrorist attack, pointing out that Kiev had been aware of the mission to transport Ukrainian POWs for a prisoner swap, set to take place at the Kolotilovka checkpoint. However, Kiev attacked the plane in order to accuse Moscow of killing Ukrainian service members.

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Foreign policy Vladimir Putin Military operation in Ukraine

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The rifle is reliable with precise and dense fire

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Ukraine is a failed state, Russian foreign intelligence chief says

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NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

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"When we have more to provide, we will," Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said

Russia’s Medvedev warns Europe could face 'catastrophic damage' from Oreshnik missile

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman also commented on Vladimir Zelensky’s "resilience plan"

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Ukraine launches second strike on Novaya Kakhovka after emergency services arrive

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Retreating Ukrainian troops leave dozens of bodies behind in Chasov Yar

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Russian forces pound Ukrainian military airfields, energy sites over day — top brass

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Europe bracing for influx of Ukrainian troops after conflict is over — agency

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Kremlin confident Putin’s warning about strikes inside Russia was well heard in West

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Iran challenges US, UK, France military capabilities, IRGC general says

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'Western vector' leaves Ukraine poorest country in Europe — politician

Ukrainians have never seen the promised freedom, Viktor Medvedchuk noted