Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed condolences over the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane on 25 December near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. However, the Kremlin’s official statement did not directly acknowledge that the plane could have been hit by Russia’s air defence system, Reuters reported.
Apologies and condolences from Putin
On Saturday, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, during which he apologised for the tragedy.
“Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery,” the Kremlin press service said, as quoted by Kommersant.
It was also noted that the plane had repeatedly tried to land at Grozny airport, but at the time, Russian air defence was repelling attacks by Ukrainian drones over Chechnya, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz.
Official investigation: external influence
According to preliminary investigation data released by Azerbaijan on Friday, the plane was subjected to “physical and technical external interference”.
This statement came after Azerbaijani sources unofficially reported that the plane was hit by a Russian surface-to-air missile in the skies over Chechnya. As a result of the hit, the missile fragments damaged the passenger cabin, leading to the crash and the deaths of 38 people.
Russia denies guilt
Russia’s Federal Aviation Service said the plane was diverted due to thick fog and the localised threat of drone attacks. According to Russian officials, the crew was offered alternative airports for landing, but the commander decided to fly to Aktau.
Diplomatic escalation
The Azerbaijani presidential administration demands that Russia officially recognise the downing of the aircraft, apologise and compensate the victims.
“Azerbaijan does not need help from Chechnya or other Russian entities. We will provide support to the families of the victims ourselves. The only thing we demand is recognition of responsibility, apologies and appropriate reparations,” the Azerbaijani presidential administration said, as quoted by Day.az.
Meanwhile, Chechen Prime Minister Khasan Khakimov said that on behalf of Ramzan Kadyrov, the families of the victims would receive financial assistance, but this decision was rejected by Baku.
International reaction
U.S. officials also said that preliminary evidence points to the possible involvement of Russian air defences in the crash. The incident could increase diplomatic tensions between Moscow and Baku, adding to the context of difficult relations in the region.
The investigation is ongoing, and the tragedy has already become the subject of discussions at the highest level in both Azerbaijan and Russia.
