Contradictions in letter from Bastrykin, Chairman of Russia's Investigative Committee Azerbaijani pundit on AZAL crash

Azerbaijani political analyst, head of the South Caucasus Research Center Farhad Mammadov commented on his Telegram channel regarding the information that the Russian Investigative Committee has closed the criminal case concerning the crash of the Embraer-190 aircraft of AZAL.

“During a press conference on the results of 2025, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that Bastrykin’s letter caused serious surprise…

Indeed, the text of the letter is surprising due to the number of contradictions and lack of logic… And this is the letter of Russia’s chief lawyer, who constantly lectures Russians on life and engages in politics with anti-migrant rhetoric.

The letter is genuine!

At the beginning of the letter, Bastrykin notes that the investigation of the criminal case on the plane crash is completed (!). That is, the process is finished…

In another paragraph, Bastrykin continues the thought that “based on the totality of the evidence obtained, the criminal case has been closed.”

But then, for some reason, Bastrykin informs that “to establish the causes of the crash… a comprehensive aviation-technical forensic examination has been launched…, which has not been completed.”

And in conclusion, the same Bastrykin writes that “taking into account the conclusions of the examination, it is planned to give an additional assessment of the circumstances of the crash within the framework of the reopened criminal case.”

The letter turns out to be like something from Prostokvashino (a Soviet cartoon)… Only authored by the Chairman of the Investigative Committee of all Russia… An elder of the Law Faculty of SPbSU…

So, has the criminal case been closed or reopened after all?!

Regarding the assessment of the causes of the crash, Bastrykin mentions weather conditions (cloudiness)… Cloudiness, Carl!... The plane and clouds… Not even fog… Cloud-i-ness! Complete nonsense!!!

That is, according to Bastrykin, the completed criminal case concluded that the cause of the plane crash was clouds… But now  “a comprehensive aviation-technical forensic examination has been launched…,” one that is yet to be completed… And after the examination is completed, it will be possible to give an “additional assessment” within the framework of the reopened criminal case…

Bastrykin against Putin

In October in Dushanbe, President Putin already assessed the causes of the crash, recognising that the crash occurred due to the actions of the Russian Armed Forces’ air defence. What do clouds have to do with it?!

The main question here is whether Bastrykin is trying to change the position already expressed by Putin, or is this the initiative of Russia’s chief investigator?!

And finally… Insurance payments are not compensation!

Bastrykin claims that “compensation payments have been organized,” but this is a lie!

Thus, it can be concluded that this letter was sent on December 17 with the calculation that over the course of a year the investigation would not be completed, and the results of additional examinations would have to be awaited.

Russia is trying to buy time. But for what purpose and why?

The President of Russia has already recognised the fact, apologising in his characteristic manner… The matter remains for compensation and punishment of the guilty. Thus, by sending such “surprising” letters, Russia is trying to prolong the process in order not to fulfill one of the two remaining fair expectations/requirements of Azerbaijan.

All these clumsy, contradictory, and unprofessional manoeuvres do not lead to a change in Azerbaijan’s position. Baku is waiting, as the impulse from President Putin’s acknowledgement still holds significance… However, after Bastrykin’s letter, Baku may begin to doubt that Russia will take adequate actions…

Azerbaijan has its own criminal case in its arsenal and the ability to appeal to international courts,” Farhad Mammadov wrote.