Kyiv and Moscow Call for Investigation Into Downing of Plane Suspected of Carrying Prisoners of War
The Russian defense ministry claims that the downing of a plane carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners was caused by anti-aircraft fire originating from Kharkiv, Russia. Both Kyiv and Moscow have called for an international probe into the incident. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s parliament commissioner for human rights, and Russian State Duma head Andrey Kartapolov have demanded an international investigation into the incident.
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR) alleges that Russia failed to request airspace security over Belgorod in advance of the planned prisoner swap. According to recent events, Russia is retaliating for a previous Ukrainian attack that killed at least 25 civilians in Belgorod, as well as missile strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv.
Security Council to Convene
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has announced an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss “this criminal act by Ukraine.” The council will meet on the evening of Jan. 25 to discuss the issue.
Reuters contributed to this report.
