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Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev for the plane crash in Russian airspace. The incident occurred on Wednesday (25 December) when Azerbaijan Airlines flight number J2-8243 crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan after taking off from southern Russia. At least 38 people were killed in the incident while 29 survived.
In fact, flight J2-8243 was diverted from southern Russia because of attacks by Ukrainian drones in the region at that time. The plane made several attempts to land at Grozny airport but failed. During the Ukrainian drone attacks, efforts were being made by Russia’s air defense system to neutralize these attacks.
Kremlin’s statement
The Kremlin of Russia said in a statement that the attack on the Azerbaijani plane was a mistake. The diversion of the plane was done for security reasons, because Ukrainian drone attacks were happening at that time in Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz, due to which Russia’s air defense system was activated to thwart it.
Azerbaijan’s initial investigation
Azerbaijan’s initial investigation said that there was external interference on the plane, due to which the plane became uncontrolled and turned towards Kazakhstan. Bullet marks were also found in the wings of the plane during the investigation. Which indicates that the plane may have been targeted by the Russian defense system.
Russia’s side and claim of bird collision
After this accident, Russia initially linked this incident to bird strike, but Azerbaijan and international experts had questioned this claim.
