On Monday, Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said that the crash of a Russian Tu-154 transport plane in the Black Sea on Christmas Day was likely due to pilot error or technical failure. On Sunday, Sokolov had said Russia was investigating the "entire spectrum" of possible causes, including terrorism. The 92 people on board the Russian Defense Ministry plane included members of the world-renowned Russian army choir, the Alexandrov Ensemble, and a well-known charity doctor. There are believed to be no survivors, though more than 3,000 people, including 100 divers, were searching off the coast of Sochi late Sunday and early Monday, using powerful spotlights, drones, helicopters submarines, and 32 ships. They have recovered at least 11 bodies.
The airplane had been traveling to the Hemeimeem air base in Syria, where Russian troops and fighter jets aiding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are stationed. The Alexandrov Ensemble had planned to perform a New Year's concert for the Russian troops. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Monday a national day of mourning. You can learn more in the Associated Press report below. Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 fundamentally funny cartoons about the US ConstitutionCartoons Artists take on Sharpie edits, wear and tear, and more
-
In search of paradise in Thailand's western islesThe Week Recommends 'Unspoiled spots' remain, providing a fascinating insight into the past
-
The fertility crisis: can Trump make America breed again?Talking Point The self-styled 'fertilisation president', has been soliciting ideas on how to get Americans to have more babies
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red SeaSpeed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacksspeed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages releasedSpeed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
-
Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs saySpeed Read
-
Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?Speed Read
-
US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign portSpeed Read
-
British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'Speed Read
