Iran, Ukraine hold 'constructive' talks on downed airliner compensation

Ukraine and Iran held lengthy talks via video conference on Thursday to discuss investigations into the downing of a Ukranian passenger plane in January.

Iran accidentally shot down the Boeing 737-800, killing all 176 people aboard, after mistaking it for an incoming missile.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba described the talks as constructive, however added that it was too early to say how much compensation Iran should pay.

“The talks ended late last night. The talks lasted 11 hours. In general, they were constructive,” Kuleba said after speaking to the Iranian delegation. “There is agreement and understanding that the most transparent and unbiased investigation by Iran is needed.”

Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 was downed while flying from Tehran to Kiev at a time of escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Iran had been bracing for a counterattack after launching missiles at US bases in Iraq in response to the killing of its top commander, General Qasem Soleimani, in a US strike earlier in January.

Iran initially blamed the crash on technical problems and only acknowledged shooting down the plane days later.

Since, the incident, Iran been in negotiations with Ukraine, Canada and other nations that had citizens aboard the plane, and which have demanded a thorough investigation.

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