Remains of Russian pilot arrive in Moscow

Updated

The body of the Russian pilot killed last week when his jet was shot down by Turkey arrived in Moscow late on Monday (November 30) from Ankara.

Fighter jets escorted the plane carrying the remains of Oleg Peshkov to the Chkalovsky military airfield in Moscow region.

A military honour guard carried Peshkov's casket covered with the Russian flag out of the plane at the airfield where it was met by Russian Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force Viktor Bondarev.

According to Russian media the pilot's brother also attended the short ceremony, during which a moment of silence was held.

Bondarev vowed retribution for the pilot's death: "We will always follow his example of fulfilling his duty. And those who plotted and committed this betrayal will suffer the retribution they deserve."

The repatriation followed a military funeral service in Ankara attended by the Russian ambassador and other military officials, according to reports.

The downing of the jet has prompted a major rupture in relations between the two countries, with Russian President Vladimir Putin this weekend signing off on a raft of sanctions against Turkey.

Oleg Peshkov will be buried in his home town of Lipetsk, west of Russia, at the request of his family, the Russian defence ministry said.

He leaves behind a wife and two children.

Body of Russian Bomber Pilot Oleg Peshkov Arrives in Moscow
Body of Russian Bomber Pilot Oleg Peshkov Arrives in Moscow


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