Key Highlights:
- Azerbaijan asserts that a civilian plane was hit by Russian air defences, leading to a fatal crash in Kazakhstan.
- Russia denies direct responsibility, but President Putin called for a transparent investigation into the incident.
- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev criticised Moscow’s response, accusing it of attempting to conceal the truth.
Details of the Incident:
On December 25, an Azerbaijan Airlines jet carrying 67 passengers crash-landed in Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 fatalities. Azerbaijan claims the crash occurred due to:
- Electronic interference: Alleged use of electronic warfare systems that compromised the plane’s control.
- Damage from ground fire: Severe damage to the plane’s tail attributed to Russian air defences near Grozny, in Russian territory.
While President Aliyev characterised the attack as unintentional, he expressed frustration over Russia’s initial reluctance to address the issue.
Russia’s Response:
- Kremlin Acknowledgement:
- President Vladimir Putin apologised to Azerbaijan and acknowledged the presence of active air defences in Grozny on the day of the crash.
- Russia’s Investigative Committee launched a criminal inquiry to identify those responsible.
- No Admission of Fault:
- Moscow maintained that there’s no confirmation of its air defences being directly involved.
- Putin assured a transparent investigation and promised to hold the guilty accountable.
Aliyev’s Critique:
President Aliyev condemned Russia’s initial reaction as “absurd and dismissive” and alleged attempts to cover up the incident. He emphasised:
- The need for Russia to take responsibility for the external damage caused to the plane.
- The importance of transparency in handling the incident to maintain regional trust.
Regional and Diplomatic Implications:
The incident highlights tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia amidst heightened regional dynamics.
- The investigation’s outcome could impact Russia-Azerbaijan relations, particularly regarding military operations and aviation safety.
- Azerbaijan’s insistence on accountability may set a precedent for similar incidents involving military actions affecting civilian operations.
Curious Corner: What steps can international aviation authorities take to prevent such incidents involving active defence systems?
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