"Based on the study of the facts, it can be concluded that Syria has shot down a Russian airplane. I understand that at least 14 people died, and it's very sad ... this is not a good situation, "he said.
According to the Ministry of Defense of Russia, the IL-20 was shot down by Syria's air defense because of the fact that the Israeli pilots covered themselves with a Russian airplane.
Later, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pointed out that the operations of the Israeli Air Force on the territory of the SAR violate its sovereignty.