Ukrainian President Urges "Thorough Investigation and Official Apology" Following Iran's Shootdown Admission

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demanded a thorough investigation and an official apology regarding Iran's downing of the Ukrainian passenger plane.

According to TASS news agency, President Zelensky stated on his official Telegram channel on the 11th (local time), "Iran acknowledged responsibility for downing the Ukrainian passenger plane before the international committee's work was completed," adding, "However, I urge a thorough acceptance of responsibility."

President Zelensky said, "We expect Iran to clearly state its position on a thorough and transparent investigation, punishment of those responsible, repatriation of the victims' bodies, compensation payments, and an official apology through diplomatic channels," and he expressed hope that future investigations would proceed without artificial delays or obstructions.

He further asserted, "Our experts (45 Ukrainian experts dispatched to Iran) must have full access to the accident site and receive cooperation from the Iranian side to clarify the truth."

The Joint Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces earlier stated in a press release that "the aircraft (Ukrainian passenger plane) was flying over a sensitive military area on the outskirts of Tehran," and "in a crisis situation caused by U.S. adventurism, it was mistakenly identified as a hostile target and was downed due to an unintended human error."

Immediately after this announcement, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed condolences on Twitter, saying, "Iran deeply regrets this tragic mistake. This incident is an unforgivable tragedy."

The Ukrainian passenger plane departing from Tehran to Kyiv crashed shortly after takeoff at 6:12 a.m. on the 8th from Imam Khomeini Airport on the outskirts of Tehran, resulting in the deaths of all 176 passengers on board.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.