A Russian military plane has crashed in the occupied Crimean peninsula, killing 29 people on board, according to the Russian defense ministry.
The An-26, a Soviet-era military transport aircraft, lost contact during a routine flight over Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula-a region illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.
The Russian defense ministry cited a 'technical failure' and ruled out interference from missiles, drones, or birds.
The aircraft was carrying seven crew members and 23 passengers. Its wreckage was discovered following a search and rescue operation.
Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched an investigation into potential flight safety violations.
The crash occurs amid ongoing hostilities in the region, with Ukrainian forces targeting Russian military installations in Crimea and neighboring Kherson.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to demand Russia’s withdrawal from Crimea as part of any ceasefire agreement.