Tattoos associated with Azov fighters, a group banned in Russia, were reported on the bodies of Ukrainian prisoners who died in the Il-76 plane crash. The claim was shared by the Telegram channel Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation and has been echoed in official briefings. The authorities say investigators and criminologists are still examining the crash site in the Belgorod region as part of the criminal case connected to a terrorist attack, with a range of other investigative tasks underway.
Officials note that human remains found during the inspection were removed following standard procedures and organized for subsequent genetic testing to identify the remains more accurately. The process aims to match DNA samples with expected profiles to ensure precise identification, a routine step in handling the remains after such incidents.
The victims reportedly bore characteristic tattoos in specific body regions. The Investigative Committee of Russia pointed out that similar symbols were observed on many members of Ukrainian armed formations, including the Azov regiment which is banned in Russia, and several individuals connected to these cases were previously questioned by investigators.
The Il-76 incident occurred in the morning hours near the village of Yablonovo in the Belgorod region. The aircraft was transporting captured Ukrainian military personnel to the regional administrative center. In total, there were 65 soldiers from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, six crew members, and three escorts on board.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Il-76 was brought down by anti-aircraft missiles launched by the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the Kharkov region. Prisoners of war from Ukraine reportedly stated that the attack was intentional and that taking part in future exchanges might be viewed with increased caution due to the risk involved.
Previously, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the crash as an act of barbarism. The department framed the event as a grave violation of basic norms and a stark example of inhumane conduct in the conflict. The official stance emphasizes the severity of the attack and the need for accountability through established legal channels.