A Azerbaijani Airlines reported that external physical and technical interference was the cause of a crash that killed 38 people on a flight to southern Russia. This explanation aligns with growing suspicions that the aircraft may have been downed by a Russian air defense system. However, Russia’s aviation authority countered the claim, suggesting that the plane was attempting to land in Grozny, Chechnya, amid difficult conditions during a Ukrainian drone attack. The Russian response to preliminary investigation findings, which suggest the plane was struck by a Russian anti-aircraft missile or its debris, has been absent.
The aircraft was brought down over Russian territory, near Grozny, and officials from Azerbaijan have called for Russia to acknowledge this and take responsibility. A member of the Azerbaijani parliament, Rasim Musabeyov, emphasized that the downing of the aircraft within Russian airspace could not be denied. He also urged Russia to apologize and compensate the victims’ families to prevent further strain in bilateral relations.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that an investigation into the incident is still ongoing, and no conclusions have yet been reached. As a result, he stated, it would be inappropriate to make any comments on the matter until the investigation concludes.
