Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's Claims

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has made explosive claims regarding the tragic crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan last week, asserting that the aircraft was accidentally shot down by Russia. During an interview with Azerbaijani state television, Aliyev emphasized the gravity of the situation and criticized Moscow for delaying the acknowledgment of their involvement.

Details of the Crash

“We can state clearly that the plane was shot down by Russia. (...) This was not intentional, but it did happen,” he declared. The airliner reportedly crashed due to ground fire originating from Russian territories, which Aliyev stated rendered the plane 'uncontrollable' because of electronic warfare tactics employed by Russian forces. He expressed his discontent regarding the initial narrative presented by Russian officials, describing it as 'delirious versions' that were not substantiated by facts.

Casualties and Russian Defense Response

This unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of 38 out of the 67 individuals onboard. Russian officials noted that the air defense systems were engaged near Grozny—capital of Chechnya—due to incoming threats from Ukrainian drones at the time the aircraft was making its approach.

Azerbaijan's Demands from Russia

In light of these events, Aliyev outlined three specific demands for Russia: an official apology, an admission of guilt, and accountability for those responsible, including compensation for both the victims and the Azerbaijani state. Notably, he revealed that Putin had fulfilled the first demand by issuing an apology, calling the crash a 'tragic incident,' though he refrained from directly accepting blame.

Ongoing Investigation

An ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full details surrounding the crash, with the revelation of the black box likely to provide crucial insights. Aliyev has strongly advocated for international experts to conduct the investigation, distancing Azerbaijan from the suggestion of using the Interstate Aviation Committee, which is predominantly operated by Russian officials—raising questions about impartiality.

Collaboration on Investigation

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has indicated that a collaborative investigation involving Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan is already in motion, focusing on the crash site located near Aktau in Kazakhstan. Initial reports from survivors describe a chaotic scene onboard as the aircraft circled Grozny amidst heavy fog.

Broader Implications

This incident marks a grim reminder of the dangers posed to civil aviation due to the ongoing tensions in the region. It recalls the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which was struck by a Russian missile in 2014 while flying over conflict zones in eastern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of all 298 passengers onboard. Russia continues to deny culpability in that instance, yet a Dutch court has previously convicted individuals linked to the incident.

Future Updates

Stay tuned for potential updates as this story continues to unfold, and the pursuit of justice and accountability for the victims intensifies!