Kuchma on the downed russian TU-154 aircraft

8 October 2001, Poland.

Commentary by Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma on the crash of a Sibir Airlines Tu-154 aircraft over the Black Sea.

Background: The crash of the Siberia Airlines Tu-154 occurred on October 4, 2001, over the Black Sea. According to the Interstate Aviation Committee, the aircraft was struck by an S-200 missile during exercises conducted by Ukrainian air defense forces. Seventy-eight people died, most of whom were Israeli citizens. The Ukrainian government paid over $15 million in compensation to the victims' families. The criminal case was closed in 2004; after that decision was overturned, the case was closed again in 2007 without any officials being held accountable.