Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has accused Russia of involvement in a fatal airlines crash, sparking tensions between the two nations.
At a Glance
- An Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed on Christmas Day, killing 38 people
- President Aliyev blames Russian officials for the incident
- Aviation experts suggest Russian air defense fire likely caused the crash
- Putin apologized but did not accept responsibility
- The incident has strained relations between Azerbaijan and Russia
Aliyev Demands Justice and Transparency
In a bold accusation, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has pointed the finger at Russia for a tragic plane crash that claimed 38 lives on Christmas Day. The incident, which occurred when an Azerbaijan Airlines commercial aircraft attempted to land in Grozny, Chechnya, has ignited a diplomatic firestorm between the two nations.
“I can say with confidence that the blame for the fact that Azerbaijani citizens died in this disaster lies with the representatives of the Russian Federation,” Aliyev said.
The Azerbaijani leader’s strong words come in the wake of what many aviation experts believe was likely a case of Russian air defense fire gone awry. The crash resulted in 38 fatalities and left all 29 survivors injured, prompting Azerbaijan to observe a national moment of silence with flags at half-staff and sirens sounding across the country.
Azerbaijanis, do not hold your breath. As one of the few who have actually sued the Russian government (and won), I can attest that the Kremlin will go to the end of the earth before paying for their crimes. BC is still waiting to collect on its judgment against RT (+$250,000!). https://t.co/FFtiqZVShk
— Business Casual (@CasualDigestCom) December 30, 2024
Conflicting Explanations and Demands for Accountability
While Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed condolences and apologized for the “tragic incident,” he has stopped short of accepting responsibility. This stance has only fueled Aliyev’s criticism, who accuses Moscow of attempting to “hush up the incident and defend absurd versions” of events.
“We demand justice, we demand punishment for those responsible, we demand complete transparency and humane behavior,” Aliyev stated.
The plane, carrying a mix of Azerbaijani, Russian, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz nationals, was diverted from its original flight path due to reported weather issues. However, cellphone footage captured the aircraft’s steep descent and subsequent explosion, raising questions about the official narrative.
Expert Analysis Points to Missile Strike
Independent aviation experts have weighed in on the crash, with many suggesting that the evidence points to a surface-to-air missile strike. Mark Zee of OPSGroup, an organization that monitors global airspace and airport risks, stated that analysis of the plane’s wreckage “indicated that it was almost certainly hit by a surface-to-air missile.”
Further adding to the controversy, an Azerbaijani lawmaker has directly accused Russia of firing on the plane over Grozny. The Kremlin, for its part, has claimed that Ukrainian drone attacks were occurring at the time, necessitating the activation of Russian air defenses.
Strained Relations and Calls for International Investigation
The incident has undoubtedly strained relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, previously friendly trading partners. Azerbaijan’s demands include not only an apology and acknowledgment of guilt but also compensation for the victims’ families.
“I want to say once again that the information we have is based on the truth. The attempts of Russian government agencies to hush up this incident and insist on absurd versions make us surprised, sorry and justifiably indignant,” Aliyev emphasized.
As the investigation continues, Azerbaijan has sent the plane’s black boxes to Brazil for analysis. The international community watches closely, with many calling for a thorough and transparent investigation to bring clarity to this tragic event that has shaken not only the affected families but also the diplomatic landscape of the region.