The authorities of Russia’s Ivanovo region have confirmed that the crew of an Il-22 aircraft died during Wagner Group’s rebellion. The aircraft was based in the region.
“I send my condolences and share in the bitterness of loss with the families of the fallen heroes. During military service, each of them demonstrated the qualities of a real officer: valor, courage, dedication, and loyalty to his oath to honorably fulfill his military duty. Eternal memory to the heroes,” said regional governor Stanislav Voskresensky.
The governor did not name the deceased or specify how many service members were on board.
The Il-22 that was shot down is a modified Il-18 turboprop airliner, equipped with various communications systems for military command. These aircraft are used, among other things, to transmit commands to airplanes and helicopters operating at ultra low altitudes. The flight crew usually consists of five people, as well as two to four communications operators.
Yesterday, the Telegram channel Fighterbomber, which is close to the Defense Ministry, reported that there were eight people aboard the Il-22. War blogger Irina Kuksenkova reported 10 crew members killed.
Pskov regional governor Mikhail Vedernikov said previously that two pilots of a Ka-52 helicopter were killed during the rebellion.