The Ilyushin-76 aircraft was reportedly carrying 65 Ukrainian PoWs who were being flown into Belgorod for a prisoner exchange, according to Russia's Ministry of Defence.

The Ukrainian military intelligence statement, seen as an implicit admission of responsibility for the downing of the plane, emphasized that they had no reliable information on the identities of those on board. The Ria Novosti news agency reported that there were a total of nine people on the aircraft, including six crew members.

Videos shared on social media captured the moment when the plane plummeted to the ground, causing a massive explosion and fireball near the village of Yablonovo. Tragically, all individuals on board, including the PoWs, were reported to have perished in the crash.

Ukraine's general staff initially stated that the plane was transporting missiles for Russia's S-300 air defense systems, failing to mention anything about PoWs. However, Ukraine's military intelligence stressed that it was Russia's responsibility to ensure the safety of their personnel, as agreed in previous exchanges. They pointed out that they had not been informed to safeguard the airspace, which had been the norm in previous exchanges, suggesting that Russia's actions were deliberate.

This incident comes amidst ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with both countries having participated in several prisoner swaps since the start of the war. Notably, earlier this month, the largest prisoner exchange took place, with Ukraine releasing 248 Russian PoWs while Russia released 230 individuals.

Ukraine's Coordination HQ on the Treatment of PoWs estimates that more than 8,000 Ukrainians, both civilians and military personnel, remain in Russian custody, with tens of thousands of others still missing. The Ukrainian government has warned that Russia is actively engaging in information operations to destabilize Ukrainian society.

As Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine, the war enters its third year. Recent reports indicate intensified Russian air attacks, leading to casualties and damage in Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov has raised concerns about the shortage of ammunition for Ukrainian forces, while highlighting Russia's significant use of missiles and drones in the past two months.

The incident in Belgorod further exacerbates the fraught relationship between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine accusing Russia of putting the lives and safety of PoWs at risk. Official sources have called on the public to be wary of provocations and promised to provide more detailed information in due course.

The situation remains tense, with both countries locked in a long-standing conflict that shows no signs of resolution.