The Russian authorities have confirmed that Russian General Otroshchenko was killed in the plane crash
This is reported by the Russian media outlet Interfax.
The BBC had previously reported on Otroshchenko’s death, citing sources.
In 2024, Otroshchenko became commander of the Russian Northern Fleet’s combined aviation corps. Between 2010 and 2013, he headed the Black Sea Fleet’s naval aviation.
He subsequently took charge of the Northern Fleet’s naval aviation. He also commanded the 45th Air Force and Air Defence Army of the Northern Fleet. In 2019, he was promoted to lieutenant general.
Russian media also reported that six other officers from the Northern Fleet headquarters in Severomorsk were killed on board.
A Russian An-26 aircraft lost contact over the temporarily occupied Crimea on 31 March. It was later reported that a plane crash had occurred near the village of Kuibyshevo in the Bakhchysarai district, killing 27 passengers and three crew members.
