Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologised to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev over the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Russian airspace, which claimed 38 lives.
The Kremlin, however, refrained from explicitly acknowledging responsibility for the tragedy.
In a phone call with Aliyev, Putin described the incident as a “tragic accident” that occurred when Russian air defence systems were repelling Ukrainian drone attacks on December 25. The plane, carrying 67 passengers and crew, was en route from Baku to Grozny when it crash-landed near Aktau in Kazakhstan.
According to aviation experts, the plane may have been struck by shrapnel from Russian air defence missiles while navigating GPS disruptions believed to be caused by electronic jamming.
Survivors speak of explosions
Survivors reported hearing loud explosions before the crash. Most fatalities were among passengers from Azerbaijan, with others from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Miraculously, those seated near the rear of the aircraft survived the impact.
The Kremlin's statement confirmed that the aircraft had attempted to land multiple times at Grozny Airport but was unable to do so due to ongoing drone attacks in the area.
"At the time, cities including Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz were under attack by Ukrainian drones," Putin said. However, the statement avoided confirming whether the plane was hit by Russian missiles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky countered Russia's claims, calling for an independent investigation and accusing Moscow of spreading disinformation. "The damage to the plane’s fuselage is consistent with a missile strike. Russia must provide clear explanations," Zelensky said in a statement.
Investigations underway
Azerbaijan’s transport minister has alleged "external interference" caused the crash, with damage evident inside and outside the aircraft. Both Azerbaijan and Russia have launched investigations into the incident, with authorities from Kazakhstan also assisting.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense stated that available intelligence points to Russian responsibility for the downing of the jet.
Following the incident, several Azerbaijani airlines suspended flights to Russian cities until further notice. A spokesperson for Azerbaijan Airlines stated, “The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority.”
The crash marks a grim moment in the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with civilians now becoming collateral damage in the conflict. International aviation experts have called for stringent measures to ensure the safety of civilian aircraft navigating conflict zones.
