Putin claims a Patriot missile shot down a Russian military plane last week

The plane was shot down on January 24, and Russian authorities said that 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war were on board.

Ukraine did not confirm or deny shooting down the plane, but some officials wondered whether the plane was transporting Ukrainian prisoners of war.

Putin also said that Russia “insists” on opening an international investigation into the downing of the plane, but that “no international organizations are ready” to participate.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also called for an international investigation, but said it would likely be hindered because Russia had full control over access to the crash site.

Patriot missiles are guided surface-to-air missiles that can target aircraft or can be used defensively to shoot down missiles.

The United States finally agreed to provide such systems to Ukraine by the end of 2022.

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