Zelensky Rejects Iran’s offer to Compensate for Lost Lives

On January 8, air defense divisions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) shot down Ukrainian Airlines Flight PS752, shortly after its takeoff from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. The civilian aircraft was misread for a hostile body after it turned toward a military base operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

"They immediately offered US$80,000 to each victim's family, but we didn't agree to this. It seems to me this isn't enough. When a victim's widow says her husband had been feeding the family, while she has no job and still has to get her kid to a university, US$80,000 is not enough. Although, of course, human life can't be measured by any money, we'll be pushing for larger payouts," Zelensky told TSN-Tyzhden.

Zelensky added that Ukraine would initiate litigation with the international court. "In any case, there will be an international trial, in any case there will be compensation, part of compensation. From our state, we could give every family UAH 200,000 (US$8,000) at once. The second part of compensation will be paid by the UIA through insurance companies. However, the situation is complex, it's not easy for insurance companies to work with the Iranian side since Iran is under sanctions," the President added.

By B.Alexishvili