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 telephone 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 techniques 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 consultants counsel Russian air protection hearth doubtless precipitated the crash. The plane’s GPS techniques might have been jammed and broken by shrapnel from missile blasts.
The incident raises considerations about civilian air security in battle zones. It attracts comparisons to the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airways Flight 17 over jap Ukraine. That crash was attributed to a Russian-supplied surface-to-air missile system.
Putin Apologizes for Azerbaijan Airways Crash, Stops Wanting 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 selections replicate rising security considerations within the area’s airspace.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia have all opened probes. The flight information and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the crash web site. These “black bins” will present essential details about the incident’s trigger.
Putin’s apology, whereas vital, falls in need of admitting Russian accountability. The Kremlin acknowledged {that a} prison investigation has been launched. Azerbaijani prosecutors are taking part within the probe in Grozny.
Putin Apologizes for Azerbaijan Airways Crash, Stops Wanting Admitting Fault
