Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to President Ilham Aliyev for a tragic incident involving an Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash that killed 38 people. The plane was en route from Baku to Grozny when it crashed while attempting to land, leaving 29 survivors. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but survivors reported hearing three blasts as the plane flew over Grozny. Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport mentioned that the focus of the investigation is on determining the weapon responsible for the incident. They also noted that air defense systems were firing near Grozny due to a Ukrainian drone strike on the same day.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also expressed concerns about the incident, calling on Russia to provide clear explanations and cease spreading disinformation. He pointed out that the damage to the aircraft’s fuselage, including punctures and dents, strongly suggests a strike by an air defense missile. Azerbaijani government sources confirmed that a Russian surface-to-air missile was fired at the plane while flying over Chechnya. These revelations have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash and the potential involvement of military actions in the region.
The tragic plane crash has prompted international attention and calls for transparency in the investigation to determine the cause of the incident. The occurrence of air defense systems firing near the crash site and the involvement of a Ukrainian drone strike have raised further concerns about the safety and security of civilian air travel in volatile regions. The need for accountability and clarity in such situations is crucial to ensuring the safety of passengers and preventing similar incidents in the future.
President Putin’s apology to President Aliyev reflects a diplomatic gesture to address the aftermath of the tragic incident and express condolences to the families of the victims. The ongoing investigation into the crash will shed light on the sequence of events leading to the plane’s downfall and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. The international community is closely monitoring the developments in the investigation to ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As more details emerge about the crash, there is a growing concern about the potential risks posed by military activities near civilian air routes. The safety and security of passengers should be a top priority for all countries, and measures should be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The need for cooperation and transparency in addressing the causes of the crash is essential to ensure accountability and justice for the victims and their families. It is important for all parties involved to work together to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.