Following the crash of an Il-76 aircraft that was carrying detainees as part of a prisoner exchange program, authorities have initiated a broad set of investigations. The incident was reported by a major news agency. Investigators have ordered a range of examinations including aviation-technical, traceology, forensic, and explosive analyses. In addition, specialists are preparing to align the remaining hull sections with the ground to preserve structural context. About ten large aircraft components have been recovered so far.
Fuel samples were seized for analysis at the refueling site, and all pre-flight records along with other technical documentation have been collected. The leading working hypothesis at present involves potential destruction of the aircraft by a surface-to-air missile system, though the specific weapon type has not yet been identified.
The Il-76 crash occurred in the morning hours of January 24 near a rural locality, with the aircraft initially expected to carry captured military personnel to another site. Onboard were sixty-five servicemen, six crew members, and three individuals identified as part of a planned prisoner exchange.
On January 25, the Investigative Committee issued a statement indicating that the downed aircraft was struck by an anti-aircraft missile launched from territory controlled by another state.
Subsequent material recovered from the wreckage included remnants associated with explosive payload elements.
Earlier, national intelligence services had announced their readiness to proceed with prisoner exchanges with the opposing side.