The war of words between Russia and Ukraine over the downing of a Russian cargo plane continues. Zelenskyy's accused Moscow of playing with the lives of prisoners of war. Russia has called for a UN Security Council discussion on the tragedy. 


Moscow

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Moscow, Kyiv trade blame over downed plane

Some say the truth is the first casualty in war. Finding out what really happened to this Russian cargo plane is proving it. On Thursday, the Russians say they located the plane's black boxes and what they say are missile fragments. Backing up their claim, Ukraine shot it down with the loss of all on board, including 65 prisoners of war. Ukrainians have neither confirmed or denied that. But overnight, President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of playing with the lives of its prisoners. It is evident that the Russians are playing with the lives of Ukrainian prisoners, with the feelings of their families and with the emotions of our society. It is necessary to establish all clear facts to the extent possible, considering that the plane crash occurred on Russian territory beyond our control. Ukraine has asked for an international investigation and says that unlike previous swaps, it was not warned by Russia that a plane carrying prisoners was flying in the area. Previously, when aviation was involved, the Russian Federation informed Ukraine about the need to observe a regime of quiet. That happened in particular on January 3rd. Such notification during the previous exchange was made verbally. This time, such information was not provided by the aggressor state. This is a very important point. Belgorod region is close to Ukraine's border and vital for Russia's military logistics. Kiev says in recent weeks, flights bringing in missiles for use against Ukraine have increased and that its military has launched attacks in the area. The crash site remains sealed off and the list of names of the prisoners who were on board released by Russia has been questioned by Kiev, which says a number of the names are of prisoners already freed. Whatever the truth about what and who brought the plane down, relatives of Ukrainian prisoners of war will be desperate to know more details of who was on board. Simon McGregor-Wood, TRT World.

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Ukraine Invasion