Kyiv is intensifying attacks against Moscow. Ukraine's defence ministry has released a video capturing explosions on a warship in the black sea. Kyiv claims it sunk a russian warship with a volley of drone attacks near Crimea

Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv claims another successful hit on a Russian ship

Judges at the top UN court on Wednesday (Jan 31) found that Russia violated elements of a UN anti-terrorism treaty, but declined to rule on allegations brought by Kyiv that Moscow was responsible for the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014.

In the same ruling, judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that Russia had breached an anti-discrimination treaty by failing to support Ukrainian language education in Crimea after its 2014 annexation of the peninsula.

The decisions were a legal setback for Kyiv. The court rejected Ukraine's requests to order reparations for both violations and only ordered Russia to comply with the treaties.

Ukraine's representative Anton Korynevych stressed the judgement was important for Kyiv because it did establish Russia violated international law.

"This is the first time that officially, legally Russia is called a violator of international law," he told journalists after the ruling.

Ukraine filed the lawsuit at the ICJ, also known as the World Court, in 2017, accusing Russia of violating an anti-terrorism treaty by funding pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.

The court's judges said Moscow violated the UN's anti-terrorism treaty by not investigating plausible allegations that some funds were sent from Russia to Ukraine to possibly fund terrorist activities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-us-russia-secret-back-channel-talks-684008">Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war | US-Russia secret back channel talks?</a>

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The 16-judge panel ordered Russia to investigate any plausible allegations of terrorism financing but turned down a request by Kyiv for reparations.

The court declined to rule on the downing of MH17, saying violations of funding terrorism only applied to monetary and financial support, not to supplying weapons or training as alleged by Ukraine.

Ukraine had argued that Russia supplied the missile system that shot down the aircraft, but it had not alleged financial support in that instance.

In a hearing at the court in The Hague last June, Russia dismissed Ukraine's allegations that it funded and controlled pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine as fiction and "blatant lies".

In the case, which has taken almost seven years, Kyiv had accused Russia of equipping and funding pro-Russian forces, including rebels who shot down MH17 in July 2014, killing all 298 passengers and crew.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blatant-lies-russia-about-ukraines-accusations-blames-kyiv-for-kakhovka-dam-attack-at-top-un-court-602228">Also read |&nbsp;MH17 crash: Russia calls Ukraine’s accusations 'blatant lies'; blames Kyiv for Kakhovka dam breach</a>

In November 2022, a Dutch court sentenced two Russians and a Ukrainian in absentia to life imprisonment for their role in the disaster.

In Crimea, Ukraine had said Russia was trying to erase the culture of ethnic Tatars and Ukrainians. The court dismissed all of the claims related to the Tatars but found Moscow did not do enough to support Ukrainian language education.

The court's judgements are final and without appeal, but it has no way to enforce its rulings.

On Friday, the ICJ will rule in another case in which Ukraine has accused Moscow of falsely applying the 1948 Genocide Convention to justify its February 24, 2022, invasion.

Judges at the top UN court on Wednesday (Jan 31) found that Russia violated elements of a UN anti-terrorism treaty, but declined to rule on allegations brought by Kyiv that Moscow was responsible for the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014.

Judges at the top UN court on Wednesday (Jan 31) found that Russia violated elements of a UN anti-terrorism treaty, but declined to rule on allegations brought by Kyiv that Moscow was responsible for the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014. In the same ruling, judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that Russia had breached an anti-discrimination treaty by failing to support Ukrainian language education in Crimea after its 2014 annexation of the peninsula. The decisions were a legal setback for Kyiv. The court rejected Ukraine's requests to order reparations for both violations and only ordered Russia to comply with the treaties. Ukraine's representative Anton Korynevych stressed the judgement was important for Kyiv because it did establish Russia violated international law. "This is the first time that officially, legally Russia is called a violator of international law," he told journalists after the ruling. Ukraine filed the lawsuit at the ICJ, also known as the World Court, in 2017, accusing Russia of violating an anti-terrorism treaty by funding pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine. The court's judges said Moscow violated the UN's anti-terrorism treaty by not investigating plausible allegations that some funds were sent from Russia to Ukraine to possibly fund terrorist activities. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war | US-Russia secret back channel talks? × The 16-judge panel ordered Russia to investigate any plausible allegations of terrorism financing but turned down a request by Kyiv for reparations. The court declined to rule on the downing of MH17, saying violations of funding terrorism only applied to monetary and financial support, not to supplying weapons or training as alleged by Ukraine. Ukraine had argued that Russia supplied the missile system that shot down the aircraft, but it had not alleged financial support in that instance. In a hearing at the court in The Hague last June, Russia dismissed Ukraine's allegations that it funded and controlled pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine as fiction and "blatant lies". In the case, which has taken almost seven years, Kyiv had accused Russia of equipping and funding pro-Russian forces, including rebels who shot down MH17 in July 2014, killing all 298 passengers and crew. Also read | MH17 crash: Russia calls Ukraine’s accusations 'blatant lies'; blames Kyiv for Kakhovka dam breach In November 2022, a Dutch court sentenced two Russians and a Ukrainian in absentia to life imprisonment for their role in the disaster. In Crimea, Ukraine had said Russia was trying to erase the culture of ethnic Tatars and Ukrainians. The court dismissed all of the claims related to the Tatars but found Moscow did not do enough to support Ukrainian language education. The court's judgements are final and without appeal, but it has no way to enforce its rulings. On Friday, the ICJ will rule in another case in which Ukraine has accused Moscow of falsely applying the 1948 Genocide Convention to justify its February 24, 2022, invasion.

Legal setback for Ukraine: ICJ dismisses Kyiv's allegations stating Russia was responsible for MH17 crash

Russia and Ukraine have conducted a major prisoner-of-war exchange a week after a previous swap was prevented when a Russian Il-76 transport plane was shot down and exploded near the border between the two countries. Both sides said about 200 prisoners each had been exchanged on Wednesday, although they disagreed about the exact figures.

Russia and Ukraine exchange PoWs after plane crash prevented last swap

Anxiety at the very top of Ukraine’s wartime government has been laid bare, after rumours swept Kyiv on January 29th that the president, Volodymyr Zelensky, was about to fire his armed-forces commander, General Valery Zaluzhny, following weeks of reported tensions.

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky suggested Army General to quit, write resignation note: Report

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Wednesday that Russia had violated global anti-terrorism and anti-racial discrimination treaties, but dismissed most of the charges Kyiv brought against Moscow stemming from its 2014 invasion of Ukraine.

UN Court rejects Ukraine's case against Russia

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky suggested Army General to quit, write resignation note, says reports

Russia and Ukraine carried out prisoner swap on Wednesday (January 31) comprising hundrds of prisoners of war (PoW). The swap came just a week after a fatal plane crash involving PoWs.

Moscow claimed that Ukraine's bombardment caused the crash of a plane carrying Ukrainian soldiers&nbsp;being transferred for prisoner swap.

Russia claimed previously that 65 Ukrainian POWs were killed.

In spite of differences between them, both Russia and Ukraine hailed the prisoner swap.

"Our people are back. 207 of them. We return them home no matter what," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a social media post.

Russia's defence ministry said "195 Russian servicemen... were returned home".

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) brokered the prisoner swap deal, said Russia.

The UAE has played a role in similar&nbsp;prisoner swaps in the past.&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas | Zelensky forced to reverse sacking of Ukraine's top general?

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The youngest soldier to return to Ukraine was 20 while the oldest was 61.

The Ukrainians who were freed included those who fought in battles in Mariupol and on Snake Island.

<h2>UN court rejects Ukraine's 'terror' charge</h2>

The prisoner swap may have been a positive development for both Ukraine and Russia, but Ukraine suffered a blow on Wednesday when a United Nations court largely rejected its claim that Russia was financing "terrorism" in eastern Ukraine. But it held that Moscow had failed to investigate breaches.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-boris-nadezhdin-putin-challenger-who-has-submitted-presidential-bid-in-russia-685534">Who is Putin challenger Boris Nadezhdin, who has submitted presidential bid in Russia?</a>

Ukraine has often referred to Russia as a "terrorist state" for its support to pro-Russian separatist elements in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine had demanded that Russia compensate all civilians caught in the conflict between the two countries and also victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. The flight was shot down over eastern Ukraine in the year 2014.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia and Ukraine carried out prisoner swap on Wednesday (January 31) comprising hundrds of prisoners of war (PoW). The swap came just a week after a fatal plane crash involving PoWs.

Russia and Ukraine carried out prisoner swap on Wednesday (January 31) comprising hundrds of prisoners of war (PoW). The swap came just a week after a fatal plane crash involving PoWs. Moscow claimed that Ukraine's bombardment caused the crash of a plane carrying Ukrainian soldiers being transferred for prisoner swap. Russia claimed previously that 65 Ukrainian POWs were killed. In spite of differences between them, both Russia and Ukraine hailed the prisoner swap. "Our people are back. 207 of them. We return them home no matter what," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a social media post. Russia's defence ministry said "195 Russian servicemen... were returned home". The United Arab Emirates (UAE) brokered the prisoner swap deal, said Russia. The UAE has played a role in similar prisoner swaps in the past. Watch | Gravitas | Zelensky forced to reverse sacking of Ukraine's top general? × The youngest soldier to return to Ukraine was 20 while the oldest was 61. The Ukrainians who were freed included those who fought in battles in Mariupol and on Snake Island. UN court rejects Ukraine's 'terror' charge The prisoner swap may have been a positive development for both Ukraine and Russia, but Ukraine suffered a blow on Wednesday when a United Nations court largely rejected its claim that Russia was financing "terrorism" in eastern Ukraine. But it held that Moscow had failed to investigate breaches. Also Read | Who is Putin challenger Boris Nadezhdin, who has submitted presidential bid in Russia? Ukraine has often referred to Russia as a "terrorist state" for its support to pro-Russian separatist elements in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine had demanded that Russia compensate all civilians caught in the conflict between the two countries and also victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. The flight was shot down over eastern Ukraine in the year 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia, Ukraine swap hundreds of POWs, days after fatal plane crash

Some Russians are fighting against Russian President Putin alongside the Ukrainian army. Why are they doing that? What do they want?

Gravitas | Who are the Russians fighting against Putin?

The European Union are meeting again to finalise a $50 billion aid package for Ukraine. But Hungary is apprehensive, having vetoed the move once. Will it block the aid again?

European Union leaders to meet in Brussels | Will Hungary block $50 bn Kyiv aid again?

European Union to grant more financial aid to Ukraine?

CIA Director William Burns said Tuesday that Ukraine faces a test of staying power against Russia and that if the U.S. cut off support for Kyiv it would be a mistake of “historic proportions.”

CIA Chief warns against stopping Ukraine aid

European Union leaders are set to meet in Brussels on Thursday to agree on granting Ukraine more financial aid. However ahead of the meeting, a senior EU official has said that the talks remain difficult despite Hungary signalling its Readiness for a compromise.

NATO should ‘Prepare for Russian missile strikes in Europe’. Alliance may have only three years before a possible offensive with Putin's forces targeting military infrastructure in Germany, senior generals warn. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says he fears the Ukrainian conflict will escalate into a third world war if Russian aggression is not contained with support from Kyiv’s western allies. Watch to know more!

Russian strikes threaten Europe, says NATO General | Will Putin attack NATO?

Russia-Ukraine War: NATO officials fear Russia's shift from Ukraine to Europe

At least seven people across Ukraine have been killed in Russia’s latest overnight attacks on Ukraine with missiles and dozens of drones, said Ukrainian officials. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have downed 21 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory.&nbsp;

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Monday (Jan 29) warned that Ukraine’s gains after nearly two years are in doubt without new funding from the United States amid NATO chief’s visit to lobby Congress.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian attacks across Ukraine kill 7, several injured</h2>

A report by Reuters citing local officials, on Monday (Jan 29) said, Russian shelling in northern Ukraine killed four people in two villages in the Sumy region near the Russian border.&nbsp;

In Sumy, three people died in a mortar fire in the village of Znov-Novohorodske and a fourth person was killed in another village to the southeast.

A 47-year-old woman in the frontline town of Ukrainian town Avdiivka, which has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of attacks in recent months, was also killed, according to the regional governor.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-25-killed-20-injured-after-ukraine-shells-russian-controlled-city-of-donetsk-682073">At least 27 killed after Ukraine shells Russian-controlled Donetsk; Moscow calls it ‘barbaric terrorist act’</a>

The official confirmation came after public broadcaster Suspilne reported that a woman in the Ukrainian city had died after suffering serious injuries in mid-afternoon shelling.

On Tuesday (Jan 30), news agency AFP citing authorities said Russia’s overnight attacks on military and energy infrastructure killed two people. “A 38-year-old man who was riding a bicycle home from work was killed,” said prosecutors in the eastern Donetsk region.&nbsp;

They added that a 50-year-old woman was also injured and taken to the hospital after the Russian S-300 missile attack. Additionally, Russian shelling overnight had killed one man and wounded his wife in the southern region of Kherson, said the governor, as per AFP.

Meanwhile, a barrage injured two people, and damaged civilian infrastructure in the capital city of Kyiv and the regions of Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv, according to local officials.&nbsp;

<h2>Moscow downs Ukrainian drones</h2>

The Russian air defences, according to Moscow’s military, downed 21 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory and the Crimean peninsula. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said Russian forces had launched two missiles and 35 attack drones across Ukraine, adding that around 20 of those drones were able to bypass their defences.&nbsp;

“The enemy directed some of the attack UAVs along frontline territories, trying to hit fuel and energy infrastructure, and civilian and military facilities near the front line and the state border with the Russia,” said the Ukrainian air force, in a statement.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russia in January alone fired some 330 missiles on Ukraine and carried out attacks with around 600 drones. “We must ensure Ukraine’s control over its skies, which is also critical to ensuring security on the ground,” said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

He also said that he is working with allies to bolster the country’s air defence systems.&nbsp;

<h2>Blinken warns about Ukraine’s gains</h2>

During NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s visit to Washington, Blinken spoke about the dire consequences of Ukraine’s prospects without US approval of more funding.&nbsp;

“Without it, simply put, everything that Ukrainians achieved and that we've helped them achieve will be in jeopardy,” said Washington’s top diplomat during a joint news conference with the NATO chief.&nbsp;

He added, “Absent that supplemental, we're going to be sending a strong and wrong message to all of our adversaries that we are not serious about the defense of freedom, the defense of democracy.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-north-korea-supplied-russia-with-missiles-for-ukraine-attacks-676691">US claims North Korea supplied Russia with missiles for Ukraine attacks</a>

So far, US President Joe Biden’s administration has sent $111 billion to the war-torn country in weapons, equipment, humanitarian assistance and other aid since the beginning of Russia’s invasion.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Stoltenberg told US lawmakers on Tuesday that supporting Ukraine was “in our own security interest.”&nbsp;

He also spoke about how the inaction would “embolden other authoritarian leaders” including that of North Korea, Iran and China “to use force” against other countries. “Today it’s Ukraine; tomorrow it could be Taiwan,” said the NATO chief.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

At least seven people across Ukraine have been killed in Russia’s latest overnight attacks on Ukraine with missiles and dozens of drones, said Ukrainian officials.

At least seven people across Ukraine have been killed in Russia’s latest overnight attacks on Ukraine with missiles and dozens of drones, said Ukrainian officials. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have downed 21 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Monday (Jan 29) warned that Ukraine’s gains after nearly two years are in doubt without new funding from the United States amid NATO chief’s visit to lobby Congress. Russian attacks across Ukraine kill 7, several injured A report by Reuters citing local officials, on Monday (Jan 29) said, Russian shelling in northern Ukraine killed four people in two villages in the Sumy region near the Russian border. In Sumy, three people died in a mortar fire in the village of Znov-Novohorodske and a fourth person was killed in another village to the southeast. A 47-year-old woman in the frontline town of Ukrainian town Avdiivka, which has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of attacks in recent months, was also killed, according to the regional governor. ALSO READ | At least 27 killed after Ukraine shells Russian-controlled Donetsk; Moscow calls it ‘barbaric terrorist act’ The official confirmation came after public broadcaster Suspilne reported that a woman in the Ukrainian city had died after suffering serious injuries in mid-afternoon shelling. On Tuesday (Jan 30), news agency AFP citing authorities said Russia’s overnight attacks on military and energy infrastructure killed two people. “A 38-year-old man who was riding a bicycle home from work was killed,” said prosecutors in the eastern Donetsk region. They added that a 50-year-old woman was also injured and taken to the hospital after the Russian S-300 missile attack. Additionally, Russian shelling overnight had killed one man and wounded his wife in the southern region of Kherson, said the governor, as per AFP. Meanwhile, a barrage injured two people, and damaged civilian infrastructure in the capital city of Kyiv and the regions of Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv, according to local officials. Moscow downs Ukrainian drones The Russian air defences, according to Moscow’s military, downed 21 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory and the Crimean peninsula. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Meanwhile, Ukraine said Russian forces had launched two missiles and 35 attack drones across Ukraine, adding that around 20 of those drones were able to bypass their defences. “The enemy directed some of the attack UAVs along frontline territories, trying to hit fuel and energy infrastructure, and civilian and military facilities near the front line and the state border with the Russia,” said the Ukrainian air force, in a statement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russia in January alone fired some 330 missiles on Ukraine and carried out attacks with around 600 drones. “We must ensure Ukraine’s control over its skies, which is also critical to ensuring security on the ground,” said the Ukrainian president. He also said that he is working with allies to bolster the country’s air defence systems. Blinken warns about Ukraine’s gains During NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg’s visit to Washington, Blinken spoke about the dire consequences of Ukraine’s prospects without US approval of more funding. “Without it, simply put, everything that Ukrainians achieved and that we've helped them achieve will be in jeopardy,” said Washington’s top diplomat during a joint news conference with the NATO chief. He added, “Absent that supplemental, we're going to be sending a strong and wrong message to all of our adversaries that we are not serious about the defense of freedom, the defense of democracy.” ALSO READ | US claims North Korea supplied Russia with missiles for Ukraine attacks So far, US President Joe Biden’s administration has sent $111 billion to the war-torn country in weapons, equipment, humanitarian assistance and other aid since the beginning of Russia’s invasion. Meanwhile, Stoltenberg told US lawmakers on Tuesday that supporting Ukraine was “in our own security interest.” He also spoke about how the inaction would “embolden other authoritarian leaders” including that of North Korea, Iran and China “to use force” against other countries. “Today it’s Ukraine; tomorrow it could be Taiwan,” said the NATO chief. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

At least 7 killed in attacks across Ukraine; Blinken, NATO chief warn about dwindling US aid to Kyiv

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky warns Ukraine conflict will turn into World War III

NATO alert on potential Russian strikes | German defence ministry mulls NATO war scenarios

Russia-Ukraine war: NATO urges investment in extra capacity to balance risks

Ukraine's SBU security service said on Saturday it had uncovered a corruption scheme in the purchase of arms by the country's military totalling the equivalent of about $40 million.

Ukraine uncovers $40 million fraud in weapons procurement

A fraud has been uncovered in the procurement of weapons. The country's defence ministry confirmed that fraud worth about $40 million took place in the purchase of mortar shells which were never delivered.

Ukraine: $40 million embezzled in defence scheme | Fraud in weapons procurement

As per claims made by Moscow, the plane was flying to the region before the prisoner swap which was to take place on Wednesday (Jan 24) when it was hit by anti-aircraft missiles. It said there were 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war present inside the aircraft. Watch to know more!

Russian plane crash: Kyiv shot down plane, unsure if its deliberate or by accident, says Putin

The Security Service of Ukraine, commonly known as SBU, said on Jan 27 that it uncovered a corruption scheme in the purchase of arms by the country's military to the tune of about $40 million. Ukraine says, $40 million embezzled in defence scheme. One detained, five defence officials sent to notice in the scheme. five people sent 'notice of suspicion.'

Ukraine says it uncovered corruption scheme in weapons procurement by military

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine strains to bolster it's army as war fatigue weighs. Fatigue grows and morale wanes in Ukraine. With western aid stalled, Ukrainian troops run low on artillery. Pessimism over prospects for a victory is rising in Ukraine. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Untold story of Ukrainian deadlocked war tests Ukrainian morale

Russia-Ukraine war: Pessimism over prospects for a victory is rising in Ukraine

Ukraine is running short of weapons. President Zelensky has been making desperate pleas. Even the European allies understand this urgency they have publicly said Kyiv needs the weapons immediately. No help is coming from Washington either. The US funding for security assistance is tied up in Congress.

UK offers cruise-missile swap to Germany to aid Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine war | UK offers cruise-missile swap to Germany to aid Ukraine

The primary reason why Russia attacked Ukraine was for its wish to join NATO. But it seems President Putin might be opening up to this idea. He is testing the waters with the U.S. To engage in peace talks.

Gravitas: Is the war in Ukraine winding down?

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Jan 26) said it was "obvious" that the Russian IL-76 military transport plane, which was carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war, was shot down by Ukraine over the border region of Belgorod this week.

As per claims made by Moscow, the plane was flying to the region before the prisoner swap which was to take place on Wednesday (Jan 24) when it was hit by anti-aircraft missiles. It said&nbsp;there were 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war present inside the aircraft.

Ukraine has neither confirmed nor denied shooting the plane, however, Kyiv&nbsp;has&nbsp;have been questioning if the prisoners were really on board.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-accuses-russia-of-playing-with-lives-in-deadly-plane-crash-calls-for-international-inquiry-683529">Russia starts 'terrorism' investigation into military plane crash</a>

"I don't know whether they did it on purpose or thoughtlessly, but it is obvious that they did it," said Putin, while speaking to student soldiers in his first reaction to the plane crash.

<h2>Ukraine aware of Russia's plan to transfer prisoners, alleges Putin</h2>

He further alleged Ukraine was aware of how Russia was planning to shift the prisoners when they hit the plane, an accusation which has been fiercely disputed by Kyiv.

"The main intelligence department of the Ukrainian army knew that we were taking 65 servicemen there. And knowing about it, they struck this aircraft. In any case, it is a crime," he said.

Meanwhile, criminal investigations have been opened by Kyiv and Moscow and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed for an international probe.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war | UK offers cruise-missile swap to Germany to aid Ukraine

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Ukrainian officials have confirmed that a prisoner exchange was set to take place but have argued that they were not informed about soldiers being transported to the border by plane.&nbsp;

The Il-76 was shot down from the sky and turned into a fireball, after crashing in a rural area of Russia on Wednesday, in which 74 people were killed on board, said Russian authorities.&nbsp;

The investigators, who were carrying out a search operation at the site of the military transport plane crash, had also found the flight recorders, as per media reports.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Jan 26) said it was "obvious" that the Russian IL-76 military transport plane, which was carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war, was shot down by Ukraine over the border region of Belgorod this week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Jan 26) said it was "obvious" that the Russian IL-76 military transport plane, which was carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war, was shot down by Ukraine over the border region of Belgorod this week. As per claims made by Moscow, the plane was flying to the region before the prisoner swap which was to take place on Wednesday (Jan 24) when it was hit by anti-aircraft missiles. It said there were 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war present inside the aircraft. Ukraine has neither confirmed nor denied shooting the plane, however, Kyiv has have been questioning if the prisoners were really on board. Also read: Russia starts 'terrorism' investigation into military plane crash "I don't know whether they did it on purpose or thoughtlessly, but it is obvious that they did it," said Putin, while speaking to student soldiers in his first reaction to the plane crash. Ukraine aware of Russia's plan to transfer prisoners, alleges Putin He further alleged Ukraine was aware of how Russia was planning to shift the prisoners when they hit the plane, an accusation which has been fiercely disputed by Kyiv. "The main intelligence department of the Ukrainian army knew that we were taking 65 servicemen there. And knowing about it, they struck this aircraft. In any case, it is a crime," he said. Meanwhile, criminal investigations have been opened by Kyiv and Moscow and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed for an international probe. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war | UK offers cruise-missile swap to Germany to aid Ukraine Ukrainian officials have confirmed that a prisoner exchange was set to take place but have argued that they were not informed about soldiers being transported to the border by plane. The Il-76 was shot down from the sky and turned into a fireball, after crashing in a rural area of Russia on Wednesday, in which 74 people were killed on board, said Russian authorities. The investigators, who were carrying out a search operation at the site of the military transport plane crash, had also found the flight recorders, as per media reports. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says 'obviously' Ukraine shot army plane carrying war prisoners

“In the past day, 82 combat engagements took place. Russian invaders carried out 2 missile attacks and 19 airstrikes, as well as 68 MLRS attacks on the positions of the Defense Forces of Ukraine and populated areas. As a result of Russian terrorist attacks, unfortunately, there are dead and wounded among the civilian population. Private residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged,” the report says.

Ukraine maintains defensive front positions

Ukraine said Friday that Russia had returned the bodies of 77 soldiers, days after the downing of a Russian military plane threw doubt on the future of such exchanges.

Russia returns bodies of 77 Ukrainian soldiers

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