Azerbaijan Plane Crash: Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev for the plane crash in Russian airspace. The accident occurred on Wednesday (December 25) near Aktau city of Kazakhstan, when aircraft number J2-8243 was diverted from southern Russia. The Kremlin has informed that President Putin apologized for this tragic incident and expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan after taking off from southern Russia. At least 38 people were killed in this incident while 29 survived. This plane was diverted because Ukrainian drone attacks were taking place in Russian territories at that time. During this time, efforts were being made by Russia’s air defense system to neutralize these attacks.
Kremlin statement
Russia’s Kremlin said in a statement that the attack on the Azerbaijani plane was a mistake. The diversion of the aircraft was due to security reasons, as Ukrainian drone attacks were taking place in Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz at the time, due to which Russian air defense systems were activated to thwart them.
Azerbaijan’s initial investigation
Azerbaijan’s initial investigation suggested external interference on the plane, due to which the plane went out of control and turned towards Kazakhstan. During investigation, bullet marks were also found in the wings of the plane. Which indicates that the aircraft may have been targeted towards the Russian defense system. After this accident, Russia linked the incident to bird strike, but Azerbaijan and international experts raised questions on this claim.