Russian investigators have announced evidence suggesting that a US Patriot air defense system was responsible for shooting down a Russian Il-76 military transport plane near the Ukraine border. Fragments recovered from the crash site were identified as components of the MIM-104A anti-aircraft guided missile, part of the Patriot system developed by Raytheon and Hughes corporations. President Vladimir Putin confirmed the findings, urging for an international investigation into the incident, which claimed the lives of 74 individuals, including Ukrainian soldiers. The investigative committee alleges that Ukrainian soldiers fired two missiles at the plane. While Ukraine has not confirmed the charge, it has called for an international inquiry. The incident highlights tensions between Russia and the US amid ongoing military aid to Ukraine, totaling $44.2 billion since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.