Putin Apologizes to Azerbaijani Leader for Plane Crash Tragedy

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued an apology to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev following the tragic downing of a commercial airliner in Russian airspace that claimed the lives of 38 passengers. However, Putin stopped short of admitting Russia's direct responsibility for the incident.  

 

The crash, which occurred on Christmas Day, unfolded as Russian air defense systems were actively repelling Ukrainian drone attacks. Reports suggest the aircraft, an Azerbaijan Airlines plane, came under fire from these defense systems while attempting to land in Grozny, Chechnya. The plane was forced to divert across the Caspian Sea and ultimately crash-landed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 people onboard.  

 

In his first remarks on the incident, Putin described it as a "tragic incident" but provided limited details. The Kremlin released a statement confirming that Putin spoke with Aliyev on Saturday, extending his condolences. "President Vladimir Putin apologized for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and once again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured," the statement read.  

So the Russians shot down the passenger plane with with a surface to air missile, then refused to let it land in Russia, instead directing it over the Caspian sea where they expected it to crash killing all witnesses. However the pilot managed to nurse the aircraft back over land… https://t.co/Ay3TL9LDJX pic.twitter.com/aR84byXB6D

— KT "Special CIA Operation" (@KremlinTrolls) December 26, 2024

 

The incident has raised numerous questions about the circumstances of the crash. Aviation experts in Azerbaijan suspect that the plane’s GPS systems were disrupted by electronic jamming before being struck by shrapnel from Russian air defense missile blasts. Survivors had earlier reported hearing loud explosions before the crash, adding to speculation that the aircraft was targeted.  

 

While Azerbaijan has refrained from officially blaming Russia, its transport minister stated that the plane experienced "external interference" and sustained damage inside and out as it attempted to land. US defense officials have also expressed their belief that Russia is responsible for the downing of the plane.  

 

During the phone call, Putin acknowledged that the aircraft had made repeated attempts to land at Grozny Airport on December 25. At the time, Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz were under attack from Ukrainian drones, with Russian air defense systems engaged in repelling these strikes. The Kremlin noted that a criminal investigation had been launched by Russian authorities. Azerbaijan has also announced its intention to conduct an independent inquiry into the incident.  

 

As investigations proceed, the crash has cast a shadow over regional relations, with both nations grappling with the aftermath of a tragedy that claimed so many lives.

 

Based on a report by BBC 2024-12-28

 

 

 

[Patong2021]

He had no choice. However, the world notes the refusal to accept responsibility for the incident.