Crash of Russian IL-76 and defense agreements with Slovakia: highlights for January 24

Crash of IL-76

On the morning of January 24, Russian Telegram channels that connect with Russian security forces reported that an Il-76 plane had crashed in the region.

The Kremlin media, citing the Russian Ministry of Defense, wrote that there were allegedly 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war on board the plane, who were being transported for exchange, as well as 6 crew members and three escorts.

At the same time, Ukrainian media, citing sources, claimed that the IL-76 was transporting missiles for the S-300 systems, which the Russians are using to shell the Kharkiv region.

The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine confirmed that an exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine was being prepared on January 24. Subsequently, they said that Russia did not warn about the transportation of Ukrainian prisoners to the exchange point by plane, and there is also no reliable and comprehensive information about who was on board the Russian IL-76.

Against the backdrop of information about the crash of a Russian plane, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that they “will continue to take measures to destroy delivery vehicles and control airspace to destroy the terrorist threat, in particular in the Belgorod-Kharkov direction.”

Agreements with Slovakia

Slovakia will not block 50 billion euros for Ukraine from the EU, as it previously announced, and will also support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and the “peace formula” of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

This was agreed upon during a meeting between the prime ministers of Ukraine and Slovakia in Uzhgorod.

In addition, the Slovak government will not prevent Ukraine from purchasing weapons and equipment from Slovak businesses.

Conclusions about the reasons for the deformation of the tunnel in the Kyiv metro

According to the preliminary findings of scientists, the reason for the deformation of the tunnel between the Demiivska and Lybidska metro stations is due to poor quality design and construction of this section of the tunnel.

The Kyiv City State Administration claims that this particular section of the metro tunnel passes through extremely difficult hydrogeological conditions: the soil is very water-saturated, with a layer of peat, and fine and medium sand. However, expert research continues.

Extension of arrest in absentia for Hladkovskyi Jr.

Ihor Hladkovskyi, the son of the former first deputy secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleh Hladkovskyi, was kept under arrest in absentia. He appears in the case of the theft of 13 million hryvnia.

The court dismissed the defense's appeal. Hladkovskyi's lawyers appealed the court's decision of January 11 to impose a preventive measure on him in the form of detention.

Film community appeal to the president

Dozens of representatives of the Ukrainian film community appealed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the government, and the Verkhovna Rada with a call to redirect the State Film Agency budget to the needs of the Defense Forces.

The signatories declare distrust in the agency’s leadership due to “a systemic lack of professionalism and dishonesty”.

In addition, they call for the dismissal of the leadership of the State Film Agency, holding a transparent competition for the position of the new head of the State Film Agency and members of the Council, and also developing a new draft Cinema Development Strategy.

Other important news of the day

• DIU told about the special operation to neutralize Russian bombers: the fighters covered 600 km, and the commander died.
• A company with connections in Moscow received money for ammunition from the Ministry of Defense — investigation.
• Manifesto 42 cancels the previously planned protest. They say that the authorities have taken the necessary measures.
• In the Rivne region, a woman died during dental treatment under anesthesia.
• Military enlistment officers from the Rivne region who beat a subordinate will appear in court.