Azerbaijan's President Accuses Russia of Accountability in Plane Crash Tragedy
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has publicly accused Russia of responsibility for the tragic plane crash in Kazakhstan, which resulted in the loss of 38 lives. Following the devastating incident involving an Azerbaijani passenger aircraft carrying 67 people, Aliyev demanded a clear acknowledgment of guilt from Russian authorities while addressing the media in Baku.
The aircraft went down after being reportedly shot at from the ground while flying within Russian airspace over the Chechen city of Grozny. In an interview with Azerbaijani state television AzTV, President Aliyev expressed skepticism regarding the notion that the Russian air defense intended to strike the aircraft deliberately. He suggested that the circumstances surrounding the crash remain clouded in ambiguity, particularly due to claims of electronic warfare measures being active at the time.
'It is clear that the final version will only be known after the evaluation of the black boxes,' Aliyev stated, while emphasizing that initial facts paint a troubling picture. He elaborated that the plane lost control over Grozny, allegedly as a result of these measures, which he described as the first damage inflicted on the aircraft before it was subjected to direct fire.
Aliyev criticized certain Russian factions for what he termed an attempt to obscure the truth surrounding the crash, stating, 'Unfortunately, we heard nothing but idiotic versions from Russia in the first three days.' He demanded not only an admission of guilt from Russia but also a comprehensive investigation that would lead to the punishment of those responsible and compensation for the victims' families.
The Azerbaijani president also highlighted the frustration caused by Russian officials' initial explanation that a gas balloon explosion may have caused the crash, suggesting it was a cover-up to detract from Russia's accountability.
In a reaction to the incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences, apologizing to President Aliyev for the unfortunate occurrence during a phone call on Saturday. During their conversation, Putin stated that Russian air defenses were engaged in operations against Ukrainian drone attacks at the time of the crash but stopped short of confirming that air defense fire led to the aircraft being hit.
Putin reiterated his 'deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims' and extended wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the crash. Meanwhile, President Aliyev participated in a somber farewell to the victims at Baku’s airport, honoring the three crew members lost in the tragedy and commending the bravery of the pilots who managed to execute an emergency landing attempt in Kazakhstan.
The unfolding narrative surrounding this tragic incident raises significant questions regarding accountability and transparency in airspace operations, particularly in the context of ongoing regional tensions. As the investigation continues, the international community will be watching closely for further developments and resolutions in this pressing matter.
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