Russians are manipulating the downing of the Il-76 aircraft to hinder the transfer of air defense systems to Ukraine. However, this is not Russia's ultimate goal.

This was revealed by the advisor to the head of the Office of the President, Mykhailo Podoliak, during a telethon broadcast.

"In this, I see two things. First, to hinder the transfer of air defense systems to Ukraine. In recent months, we have seen a large number of Russian aircraft being destroyed. For Russia, it is important to prevent Ukraine from having the ability to shoot down Russian planes or use anti-missile systems along the front line," said Podoliak.

According to Podoliak, the second goal of the Russians is to reduce the attention of the civilized world to violations of the rules of war and conventions by the Russian military, by showing that both sides are allegedly violating them.