Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has conveyed his condolences to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev regarding the tragic downing of a commercial airliner in Russian airspace, which resulted in the death of 38 individuals. In his initial remarks on the incident, which occurred on Christmas Day, Putin described it as a “tragic incident” that took place while Russian air defense systems were engaged in repelling Ukrainian drone attacks.
Reports indicate that the aircraft was struck by Russian air defense systems during an attempted landing in Chechnya, prompting a diversion across the Caspian Sea before it crash-landed in Kazakhstan, claiming the lives of 38 of the 67 passengers on board.
The Kremlin disclosed that Putin expressed his remorse in a phone conversation with President Aliyev. The statement emphasized Putin’s deep condolences to the victims’ families and his wishes for a quick recovery for the injured.
Before this announcement, the Kremlin had remained silent about the incident, while Russian aviation authorities described the situation in the region as “very complicated” due to ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Chechnya. Azerbaijani aviation experts speculate that the aircraft’s GPS systems may have been compromised by electronic jamming, coupled with damage from missile shrapnel.
Survivors had previously reported loud bangs before the plane’s crash, indicating it may have been targeted. Although Azerbaijan has not formally accused Russia, the nation’s transport minister pointed out that the aircraft experienced “external interference” and was damaged both internally and externally while attempting to land.
US defense officials recently noted their belief that Russia was responsible for the crash. During the phone call, Putin acknowledged that the Azerbaijan Airlines plane had made multiple attempts to land at Grozny airport on December 25, amidst ongoing drone attacks on Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz.
Moscow has announced a criminal investigation into the incident, while Azerbaijan has also committed to conducting its own inquiry.
