Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev for the “tragic incident” involving an Azerbaijan Airways airplane. The plane crashed in Kazakhstan on December 25, 2024, killing 38 folks.
Putin expressed remorse over the occasion occurring in Russian airspace throughout a cellphone name with Aliyev on December 28. The Embraer 190 plane, carrying 67 folks, was en route from Baku to Grozny when it diverted to Aktau, Kazakhstan.
Putin defined that Ukrainian drones have been attacking Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz on the time. Russian air protection programs have been actively countering these assaults because the airplane tried to land in Grozny.
Survivors reported listening to explosions earlier than the crash. Azerbaijan’s transport minister acknowledged the airplane skilled “exterior interference” throughout its touchdown try.
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Aviation specialists recommend Russian air protection fireplace possible precipitated the crash. The plane’s GPS programs could have been jammed and broken by shrapnel from missile blasts.
The incident raises issues about civilian air security in battle zones. It attracts comparisons to the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airways Flight 17 over japanese Ukraine. That crash was attributed to a Russian-supplied surface-to-air missile system.
Putin Apologizes for Azerbaijan Airways Crash, Stops In need of Admitting Fault
Azerbaijan Airways suspended flights to a number of Russian airports following the crash. Different carriers, together with Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Air and Turkmenistan Airways, additionally halted some Russian routes. These choices mirror rising security issues within the area’s airspace.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia have all opened probes. The flight knowledge and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the crash web site. These “black containers” will present essential details about the incident’s trigger.
Putin’s apology, whereas important, falls in need of admitting Russian accountability. The Kremlin acknowledged {that a} prison investigation has been launched. Azerbaijani prosecutors are collaborating within the probe in Grozny.
Putin Apologizes for Azerbaijan Airways Crash, Stops In need of Admitting Fault
