Russia accuses Kyiv of downing military plane

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Kyiv of downing the military transport plane this week that was carrying 74 people, including Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs), in the Belgorod region, Politico reported.

Putin, in his first remarks on Friday after the crash, said: "The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Armed Forces knew that we were taking military personnel there... and, knowing this, struck this plane."

He claimed that two missiles were detected by the Russian military, launched from Ukraine-controlled areas, that hit the plane.

"We only regret our pilots," he added.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has denied Moscow's claims, asking the international community to probe into the matter, saying "there is no evidence that any Ukrainian citizens were killed on board" and that "Russian official statements cannot be trusted," as only Russia has access to the sole site and has collected the remains and documents of all the crash victims.

A prisoner exchange was scheduled for the day the plane crashed, but it did not occur. The swap was due to take place some 60 kilometres west of Belgorod city.

Furthermore, Ukraine has denied Russian claims of being informed about the plane carrying POWs over Belgorod.

Moscow claims the aircraft was taking POWs from Ukraine; however, Kyiv claims it was carrying Russian missiles intended to be deployed in more attacks on the country.