Russia’s Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov labeled inaccurate the information according to which the plane operated by Russian carrier Kogalymavia was downed by terrorists, TASS reports.  

“We are in a close contact with our Egyptian colleagues and aviation authorities of that country. And at the moment they have no information, which would confirm such concoctions,” Sokolov said.

Earlier, Reuters reported that a terrorist group under the control of the Islamic State claimed responsibility for downing the Russian jet

Airbus A321 jetliner, flying from Sharm el-Sheikh to St. Petersburg took off at 06:51 Moscow time today. At 07:14 it failed to contact Larnaca (Cyprus) and disappeared from radar screens. The plane crashed in Sinai Peninsula. The wrecks of the plane have been found, rescuers are working at the scene. All 224 passengers aboard were killed.