What we know about Russia's crashed military plane | DW News

Summary

Russian military transport plane crashes in Belgorod region near Ukraine border. Conflicting reports on whether it was carrying Ukrainian POWs or missiles. Crash site 50km from border. Speculation Ukraine may have shot it down with Western weapons, which would be escalation. Overall, Ukraine has had success pushing back Russian navy and attacking logistics. If they can now hit transport planes, it will further strain Russian military.

Takeaways

• 😮 Russian military plane carrying Ukrainian POWs crashes in Russia near Ukraine border
• 😲 Video on social media appears to show moment of crash
• 🤔 Russia claims 70+ people were onboard including 65 Ukrainian POWs
• 😕 Kiev sources deny or don't confirm POWs claim, say missiles were onboard
• 🤨 Crash happened ~50km from Ukraine border
• 😠 Some Russian sources claim Western weapons shot down the plane
• 🤔 Crash raises questions about impact on war if Ukraine did strike in Russia
• 😕 Progress on land has been limited recently for both sides
• 👍 Ukraine has had success pushing back Russia at sea
• 🤔 If Ukraine can now strike transport planes, could impact Russia's logistics

Q & A

What type of plane crashed in Russia near the Ukraine border?

A Russian military transport plane crashed in the Belgorod region near the border with Ukraine.

What did Russian media report about the number of people on board the crashed plane?

Russian media quoted the Ministry of Defense saying that more than 70 people were on board the plane, including 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war.

What are the conflicting reports about what was on board the crashed plane?

Russia claims the plane was carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war, but sources in Ukraine suggest the plane was carrying missiles, possibly s-300 missiles used to attack Kharkiv.

Where did the plane crash occur in relation to the Ukraine border?

The crash site was about 50 km from the Ukrainian border, according to reports.

How are some Russian officials explaining what downed the plane?

Some Russian officials claim Western weapons like Iris or Patriot systems were used to shoot down the plane.

Would use of Western weapons to down the plane signify a change?

Yes, since Western countries have prohibited use of provided weapons outside of Ukraine against Russia.

How could this incident impact the war if Ukraine downed the plane?

It could make Russia's military logistics more difficult and help Ukraine defend against missile attacks on its cities.

Where else has Ukraine recently pushed back against Russia militarily?

At sea, by pushing Russian ships away from Odessa and hindering missile ships in the Black Sea.

What recent Ukrainian military successes could be enabling a strike into Russia?

Knocking out a Russian radar plane recently could be enabling Ukraine to now target transport planes inside Russia.

What impact could Ukraine striking into Russia have on the war?

It could hamper Russia's ability to resupply its forces and make it easier for Ukraine to defend against missile attacks.