But they did knowingly expose their crews, etc.
Ukraine has already shot down aircraft in the region. A military transport is a big, fat, legitimate target.
The Russians can be careless with the lives of their own men if they like. But it is not OK to risk POWs, under the Geneva convention.
It was incumbent on the Russians, at minimum, to inform Ukraine that this plane was carrying POWs. More, knowing that this airfield was under Uke SAM coverage, they should have used other means to transport POWs. Also, since Belgorod has been under Uke fire for months, those POWs shouldnt have been there.
“A military transport is a big, fat, legitimate target.”
Considering that Ukraine OBVIOUSLY knew it was filled with POWs pretty much should explain to others why there won’t be anything left of Ukraine when this war is over.
“It was incumbent on the Russians, at minimum, to inform Ukraine that this plane was carrying POWs.”
Would you mind providing PROOF that the Russians didn’t inform NATO of their transport of POWs? Or perhaps you’re on the wrong forum?
The dispatch from the foreign ministry of Russia sounds like Ukraine knew about the prisioners. Besides, it is illegal under the Ukrainian Military to surrender.
These guys were part of the 150 men who surrendered their positions in one sector.
Ukraine has lost over 1,000 men a day for the past week. Russia aims to kill 70,000 before March and push them out of artillery range of Russian boarders. The election in Russia in March is driving this current offensive to crush the current Ukrainian defensive lines - and it is happening.