Ukraine Demands Details from Iran on Downed Plane

A Ukrainian delegation holds talks on compensating families of the downed plane at the Iranian Foreign Ministry headquarters in Tehran on Monday, October 19, 2020. (AFP)
A Ukrainian delegation holds talks on compensating families of the downed plane at the Iranian Foreign Ministry headquarters in Tehran on Monday, October 19, 2020. (AFP)
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Ukraine Demands Details from Iran on Downed Plane

A Ukrainian delegation holds talks on compensating families of the downed plane at the Iranian Foreign Ministry headquarters in Tehran on Monday, October 19, 2020. (AFP)
A Ukrainian delegation holds talks on compensating families of the downed plane at the Iranian Foreign Ministry headquarters in Tehran on Monday, October 19, 2020. (AFP)

Ukraine renewed on Monday its demand from Iran to receive full details about the downing of the passenger plane that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) admitted to downing earlier this year.

Ukraine and Iran kicked off on Monday the second round of talks about the downing of the jet.

The IRGC shot down the Ukraine International Airlines flight with a ground-to-air missile on Jan. 8 just after the plane took off from Tehran, in what Tehran later acknowledged as a “disastrous mistake” by forces who were on high alert during a confrontation with the United States.

In a July report, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization blamed a chain of mistakes - such as a misalignment of a radar system and lack of communication between the air defense operator and his commanders - for the plane crash that killed 176 aboard, including 57 Canadians.

For months, Tehran has refused requests from nations that had citizens aboard the downed plane to transfer the black boxes. In July, it finally sent them to France.

The scheduled three-day talks started on Monday between the Iranian delegation, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister for International and Legal Affairs Mohsen Baharvand, and the Ukrainian delegation, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgheniy Yenin, IRNA reported.

Baharvand renewed his country’s regret over the accident, stressing that it has nothing to hide from Ukraine.

“We are genuinely ready to inform the Ukrainian people and delegation of the details of the incident,” IRNA quoted him as saying.

Iranian media quoted Yenin as stressing that his country wants thorough and accurate details of what happened, noting that its acceptance of the fine depends on the information it receives in this regard.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said during a press conference on Monday that compensation being discussed will be dedicated to the families of the victims and the airlines.

The first round of negotiations was held in Kiev in July, with the Ukrainian authorities saying they were “cautiously optimistic” about the process.

The plane carried 167 passengers and nine crew members from different nations. There were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians on board — the Ukrainian nationals included two passengers and the nine crew members, reports revealed. There were also 10 Swedish, four Afghan, three German and three British nationals.



Starmer and Zelenskiy Meet in London, Agree Military Production Project

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
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Starmer and Zelenskiy Meet in London, Agree Military Production Project

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL

Volodymyr Zelenskiy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new defense co-production initiative on Monday during a short visit by the Ukrainian president to London to discuss his country's defense against Russia.

The two leaders announced the deal in the garden of Starmer's Downing Street residence, where they also met Ukrainian troops being trained in Britain.

"I'm really proud that this afternoon, we're able to announce an industrial military co-production agreement - the first of its kind so far as Ukraine and the UK are concerned - which will be a massive step forward now in the contribution that we can continue to make," Starmer said.

He did not provide further details on the agreement. Zelenskiy said it would help strengthen both nations.

Speaking alongside Starmer, the Ukrainian president thanked Britain for its support in the war against Russia, Reuters reported.

Zelenskiy had earlier met King Charles at Windsor Castle where the two shook hands for cameras on what was their third meeting this year and the latest gesture of Charles', and Britain's, support for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader also met the speakers of both houses of parliament.