Putin Blames Russian Air Defenses for Last Year’s Azerbaijani Jet Crash Killing 38

Enhancing Russia-Azerbaijan Relations: Putin Admits Involvement in Airliner Downing

Putin Acknowledges Russian Air Defense Role in Azerbaijani Plane Crash

In a significant geopolitical development, President Vladimir Putin admitted that Russian air defense systems were responsible for downing an Azerbaijani airliner last December, resulting in 38 fatalities. This marks Putin’s first public acknowledgment of the incident, intending to ease rising tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan.

Details of the Tragic Incident

The ill-fated Azerbaijan Airlines flight was traveling from Baku to Grozny, Chechnya’s capital, on December 25, 2024, when Russian missiles, intended to target a nearby Ukrainian drone, inadvertently exploded near the jet. The plane attempted an emergency landing in western Kazakhstan before crashing, leading to the tragic loss of 38 out of 67 passengers.

Diplomatic Efforts and Reactions

During a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at a summit in Tajikistan, Putin expressed his intention to bring those responsible to justice and provide compensation for the victims’ families. While expressing regret for the “tragic incident,” Putin also outlined the steps Russia would take to rectify the situation and mend diplomatic relations.

Challenges in Russia-Azerbaijan Relations

The plane crash is not the only factor straining Moscow-Baku relations. Tensions have escalated due to other incidents, including the deaths of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia and the subsequent arrests of Russian nationals in Azerbaijan. Aliyev criticized Russia’s initial response, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability.

Commitment to Restoring Diplomatic Ties

Both leaders expressed a commitment to mending their countries’ relations. Putin expressed hope for overcoming current challenges and fully restoring cooperation and alliance between Russia and Azerbaijan. Aliyev thanked Putin for addressing the situation, emphasizing a positive outlook on bilateral relations.

Outlook for Future Cooperation

The dialogue between Putin and Aliyev centered on resolving the current dispute and building a broader, positive bilateral agenda. Both leaders voiced optimism that their cooperative efforts would resonate positively with their respective societies and help restore the previously warm ties.