AT least 76 people are feared dead after a Russian IL-76 military plane was shot down near the Ukrainian border.
Dramatic footage shows the crash near Belgorod sparking a massive fireball as black smoke can be seen billowing in the sky.
At least 63 people were on board the military plane
XThe Il-76 military plane crashed in Belgorod near the Ukrainian border[/caption]
The video shows the plane out of control and lurching towards the ground before it smashes to the ground in a huge explosion.
Sources in the Ukrainian forces confirmed to Ukrainska Pravda that the crash “was their job” and the aircraft was carrying S-300 anti-aircraft missiles.
But Russia‘s defence ministry said the plane carrying 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war for exchange alongside “six crew members and three escorts.”
A statement said: “The Il-76 crashed at about 11.00 [local time] in the Belgorod region.
“On board the fallen Il-76 there were 65 captured military personnel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces transported to the Belgorod region for exchange, six aircraft crew members and three accompanying persons.”
Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed the crash and said: “Currently, an investigation team and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations are working on the spot.
“ I have changed my work schedule and gone to the area. All details later.”
The cause of the crash and explosion remain unknown amid unconfirmed reports the aircraft was already on fire as it came down.
Starsche Eddypro-war Telegram channel said: “Judging by the video, the Il-76 military transport aircraft was on fire before the fall.
“Fre is visible in the area of the left engine.
“According to our data, there were preliminary 63 people on board the crashed Il-76 near Belgorod. Their fate is being determined.”
A Russian Telegram channel alleged the Il-76 was shot down, implying it was by the Ukrainians.
“The crew [of the plane flying next to the fallen Il-76] reports a missile hitting the [Il-76].”
An audio recording purportedly suggested the plane was hit by a missile.
The Il-76 is a military transport aircraft designed to airlift troops, cargo, military equipment and weapons.
It has a normal crew of five people, and can carry up to 90 passengers.
Earlier there had been a missile threat in the Belgorod region and claims Russian air defences shot down an aircraft-style drone flown from Ukraine.
The crash was close to Krivoy Khutor village in Korochansky district.
It is about 57 miles from the border with Ukraine and 40 miles northeast of Belgorod, the regional capital.
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