Russia is using the crash of the military plane Il-76 to provoke dissatisfaction within Ukraine and cast doubts in the West about continuing military support for Kyiv
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report states that.
Russian information actors capitalized on the Il-76 disaster to sow internal discontent in Ukraine and undermine the West’s willingness to continue providing military support to Ukraine.
The ISW report emphasizes that the exchange of prisoners of war is a sensitive issue for both Russia and Ukraine, so references to it predictably evoke an emotional reaction.
The report also claims that Russian officials made unfounded statements that Ukraine allegedly struck the Il-76 with missile systems provided by the U.S. or Germany, possibly attempting to dissuade Western partners from providing Ukraine with critically important air defense systems.
Details of the Il-76 plane crash in Belgorod Oblast on January 24 were reported by Russia, claiming that the plane carried 65 Ukrainian prisoners, six crew members, and three accompanying individuals. Russia accuses Ukraine of shooting down the plane.
In response to the Russian statements, Ukraine urged its citizens not to spread fake information until official statements are made.
Photo: Getty images
