Moscow remains tight-lipped as Azerbaijan MP demands accountability for Aktau plane crash

The Kremlin responded to remarks by Azerbaijani lawmaker Rasim Musabekov, who demanded an apology from Russia over the crash of an Embraer aircraft in Aktau, Kazakhstan.

The MP warned that failure to address the incident could strain relations between the two nations, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the investigation into the crash was ongoing and declined to comment on Musabekov's allegations.

“We are aware of the statement, but I have nothing to add at this stage,” Peskov told reporters. “The investigation is underway, and we do not consider it appropriate to make any assessments before its conclusion. Our aviation authorities are handling the matter.”

Musabekov, speaking to Azerbaijani media outlet Turan on December 26, claimed the aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), was shot down over Grozny, the capital of Russia’s Chechnya region. He alleged attempts were being made to obscure the truth.

“Those responsible must be brought to justice. If this does not happen, relations between our countries will inevitably take a different course,” the MP said.

To recap, Russia and Kazakhstan suggested the investigation be overseen by the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) International Aviation Committee. However, according to Azerbaijani government sources, Baku has rejected this proposal.

Official statements from Baku indicate that Azerbaijan is insisting on an inquiry led by an international team of experts, including representatives from Embraer. The country also maintains that the analysis of the aircraft's "black box" should be conducted by this team.

In particular, Azerbaijan has engaged Turkish specialists to support the investigation into the December 25, 2023, crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer aircraft near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The accident, which occurred during a flight from Baku to Grozny, resulted in 38 fatalities, with 29 passengers surviving.

By Aghakazim Guliyev