Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russian air defense systems were active when an Azerbaijani Airlines plane attempted to land in Grozny before crashing. The incident resulted in 38 fatalities out of the 67 people on board the plane. Western experts have suggested that Russia may have accidentally shot down the plane, while the U.S. mentioned that there were early indications pointing towards this possibility. Putin reached out to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to apologize for the tragedy, although he did not explicitly state that Russian air defense was responsible. Aliyev expressed his belief that the plane was targeted by external interference while in Russian airspace, leading to a loss of control and subsequent crash.
The phone call between Putin and Aliyev came after days of speculation surrounding the crash. The U.S. suggested that Russian air defense systems may have been involved in bringing down the plane. Survivors of the crash reported hearing an explosion as the plane attempted to land, further heightening suspicions of foul play. Aliyev’s office emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and to hold those responsible accountable. The European Union also called for a swift and independent international investigation, drawing comparisons to the MH17 incident in 2014.
In response to the crash, several airlines have opted to cancel flights to Russia, including national carriers of countries allied with Moscow. This decision was made as a precautionary measure following the uncertainty surrounding the downing of the Azerbaijani Airlines plane. Turkmenistan Airlines announced the cancellation of flights to Moscow, and other airlines, such as flydubai and Qazaq Air, have also suspended flights to various Russian cities. Airline cancellations have increased since Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, prompting concerns and uncertainties among international carriers.
The incident has generated significant international attention and concern, with various countries and organizations calling for a transparent investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Putin’s acknowledgment of the active Russian air defense systems during the plane’s attempted landing has intensified speculation about the cause of the crash. The tragic event has prompted discussions about air safety and the need for greater accountability in cases of such disasters. The aftermath of the crash highlights the complexities and potential risks associated with air travel and the importance of clear communication and collaboration between nations in the aviation industry.
